About

Primula suffrutescens (Su), the Californian cowslip, is a woody-based, semi-evergreen perennial producing tufts of leathery, spoon-shaped leaves and umbels of rose-pink to magenta flowers with yellow eyes in summer. A rewarding and unusual woody primula for a cool, well-drained, sheltered rock garden.

About the genus

Primula are herbaceous or semi-evergreen perennials forming rosettes of simple leaves and producing salver-shaped, bell-shaped or funnel-shaped flowers, solitary or in umbels or whorls on erect stems. An enormously varied genus ranging from compact alpines to stately border perennials.

Plant details

Suggested usesBorders, containers, mixed plantings.

Care notes

CultivationPlant in well-drained soil. Water during establishment.
PruningRemove dead growth as needed.
PropagationPropagate by division, cuttings, or seed.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-resistant.