Primula chionantha subsp. chionantha (Cy)
snow-white primrose
A rosette-forming, deciduous perennial with mid-green leaves up to 25cm long covered in white or yellow meal. From late spring to early summer stout, mealy stems produce one or more whorls of pendant, tubular to funnel shaped, scented, milk-white flowers up to 2.5cm across
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Primulaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- Plant range
- Yunnan, China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in partial shade in deep, humus-rich, moist, neutral to acid soil. Will tolerate sun if soil remains moist at all times. Benefits from regular division
Propagation
Propagate by seed in containers in a frame as soon as ripe or in late winter or in early spring; or divide in early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, slugs and vine weevil
Diseases
Brown core of primulas, grey moulds, primula leaf spot and a virus may be a problem
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.