About

A rosette-forming deciduous perennial to 10cm tall, with toothed, grey-green leaves and clusters of light violet-blue flowers with white eyes, opening in late winter and spring.

About the genus

Primula are herbaceous or semi-evergreen perennials, forming a basal rosette of simple leaves, with salver-shaped or bell-shaped flowers which may be solitary or carried in an umbel or in whorls on an erect stem

Growing conditions

SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Gravel garden

Care notes

CultivationGrow in deep or partial shade in moist but sharply drained acid soil; protect from excessive winter wet
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationMay be propagated by leaf cuttings in summer or early autumn or by division in early spring or after flowering
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails, vine weevil, aphids, woodlice, earwigs and cutworms
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a virus, grey moulds or fungal leaf spot