Overview

Primula vulgaris 'Lutea' (Pr/Prim) is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Primula, part of the Primulaceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. Primula vulgaris 'Lutea' (Pr/Prim) grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4, H5, H6, H7. Suggested uses include borders, containers, woodland gardens, rock gardens, bedding, wildflower meadows, wildlife gardens, coastal gardens and cottage gardens.

About

Primula vulgaris 'Lutea' is a clump-forming cultivar of the Primula genus, which comprises perennial plants with a basal rosette of simple leaves and salver-shaped or bell-shaped flowers on upright stems. This semi-evergreen cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade, preferring sheltered, south-, east-, or west-facing aspects. It grows well in fertile, moist but well-drained soils of various types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, across a range of pH levels. Hardy in UK zones H4 to H7, it is suitable for diverse garden settings such as borders, containers, woodland and rock gardens, wildflower meadows, and coastal or cottage gardens, with interest in spring and summer.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Primula

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4, H5, H6, H7

Plant details

Primula vulgaris 'Lutea' (Pr/Prim) size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Clump-forming
Foliage
Semi-evergreen
Suggested uses
Borders, Containers, Woodland gardens, Rock gardens, Bedding, Wildflower meadows, Wildlife gardens, Coastal gardens, Cottage gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Primula vulgaris 'Lutea' (Pr/Prim)

Propagation
Seed, Root basal cuttings
Pest resistance
Aphids, Vine weevil, Slugs, Leaf and bud eelworms, Leaf-mining flies, Glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistance
Leaf spot, Grey moulds

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Primula vulgaris 'Lutea' (Pr/Prim)?

Primula vulgaris 'Lutea' (Pr/Prim) prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Primula vulgaris 'Lutea' (Pr/Prim) need?

Primula vulgaris 'Lutea' (Pr/Prim) is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Primula vulgaris 'Lutea' (Pr/Prim) hardy in the UK?

Primula vulgaris 'Lutea' (Pr/Prim) has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.

How do I propagate Primula vulgaris 'Lutea' (Pr/Prim)?

Seed, Root basal cuttings.

More in the Primula genus

Browse all Primula