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BogsHerbaceous Perennial

Primula pulverulenta (Pf)

mealy primrose

A robust herbaceous perennial to 90cm, with a rosette of large, oblong or obovate leaves and upright, white-mealy stems bearing reddish-purple flowers 2.5cm in width in several whorls

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Red Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Primulaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
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

Name status

Correct

Horticultural Group
Proliferae section primulas are moisture-loving herbaceous or semi-evergreen perennials forming a rosette of basal leaves, with erect stems each carrying several whorls of salver-shaped flowers
Plant range
China

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in deep, fertile reliably moist soil in partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by division in early spring or propagate by seed sown from autumn to spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, vine weevil, slugs, leaf and bud eelworms and glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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