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Herbaceous PerennialSynonym

Primula vulgaris 'K74'PBR
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

primrose [Drumcliffe]

A compact, rosette-forming, semi-evergreen perennial with oblong, heavily veined, bronze-to purple-flushed, dark green leaves and, in spring, fragrant, white to pale pink flowers with yellow throats.

Synonyms
Primula vulgaris 'K74'PBR
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Clay
Chalk
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral, Acid, Alkaline
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Pink Yellow Green Bronze
Summer Green Bronze
Autumn Green Bronze
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Primulaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
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

Trade

Horticultural Group
Primrose group primulas are mainly grown as herbaceous perennials, and produce clusters of flowers on individual stems from the basal rosettes, although a few may also have umbel-like flowers. They are either spring-flowering, if grown without protection, or winter- to spring-flowering, if grown as biennial container plants in greenhouses or indoors.

How to grow

Cultivation

Favours a sheltered position in moist but free-draining soil in sun or partial shade. See primula cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed or division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
  • Garden edging
Pruning

No pruning required, but any old or faded leaves can be removed if necessary

Pests

May be susceptible to some slug damage on new growth.

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds in damp or overcrowded situations.

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