About

A compact, semi-evergreen perennial to 12cm, with oval, purple-tinted leaves in compact rosettes. Flowers 3.5cm in width, deep reddish-purple, in loose clusters, open over a long period in 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, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden

Care notes

CultivationGrow in full sun or partial shade in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained, humus-rich-soil. See primula cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or division in autumn and early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, leafhoppers, vine weevil and slugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to primula brown core and grey moulds