About
An evergreen perennial to 12cm, with a rosette of obovate green or grey-green leaves, and wiry stems bearing umbels of often aromatic purple, red, pink, yellow or white flowers 2cm in width.
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
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in full sun or partial shade. Can also be grown in pots in an alpine house
PruningDeadhead after flowering
PropagationPropagate by detaching offsets in autumn or early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, slugs, leafhoppers and vineweevils
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a virus, primula brown core and grey moulds