About
Primula wilsonii (Pf), Wilson's primrose, is a rosette-forming, evergreen candelabra primula to 1 m with dark, smooth, aromatic leaves. Widely spaced whorls of perfumed flowers � dark purple or dark red to almost black � appear from late spring into summer above moist or boggy ground. A dramatic and unusual primula for a moist, cool, woodland border or stream side.
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.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeBogs, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toChina
FragranceFlower, Foliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in partial shade, in deep, humus-rich, moist, neutral to acid loam soil, or naturally peaty soil. Tolerates full sun if soil remains moist at all times
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division in autumn or after flowering
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, vine weevil, slugs, leaf and bud eelworms, leaf-mining flies and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to primula leaf spot, primula brown core and grey moulds