About
This semi-evergreen rosette-forming perennial about 15-20cm tall, with wedge-shaped vivid green leaves, and clusters of long-stalked rose-pink, red purple or white flowers 2-3cm wide in early 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
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous, Semi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Rock garden, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toE. Balkan Peninsula
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationBest planted in dappled shade in humus-rich, moist neutral to acid soil. Tolerates full sun if soil remains moist at all times. See primula cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed; take root cuttings when dormant in winter. Divide between autumn and early spring
Pest resistanceSusceptible to leafhoppers, vine weevil, slugs and snails, caterpillars and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to primula brown core, grey moulds, primula leaf spot and a virus