Primula malacoides (Mo)
baby primrose
An erect, rosette-forming evergreen perennial, often grown as an annual, with frilly-margined, downy leaves to 10cm long. In winter and spring, single or double flowers in shades of purple, pink or white are borne in whorls of decreasing size up slender stems to 45cm. Grow in a cool or temperate greenhouse, or as a houseplant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Neutral, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink Purple White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Purple Pink White | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Primulaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- 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
- Plant range
- China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow on plants in a potting mix of 4 parts loam-based compost and 1 part each grit and leaf mould. Position in bright, filtered light in a cool room and mist plants daily
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in summer for flowering plants the following winter. Surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Deadhead to extend flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to grey moulds (botrytis)
Get involved
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