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Alpine RockeryHerbaceous Perennial

Primula marginata (Au)
  • RHS AGM

silver-edged primrose

P. marginata is an evergreen perennial to 15cm in height, with rosettes of leathery, grey-green, toothed leaves, white-mealy on the margins. Umbels of fragrant, white-eyed, lavender-blue flowers 3cm in width are borne on mealy stems

Synonyms
Primula marginata form

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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
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Green Grey Silver
Summer Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

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

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Primulaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
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

Correct

Horticultural Group
Auricula section primulas are evergreen perennials with leathery, often farinose foliage and simple umbels of salver-shaped flowers which are usually pink, purple or yellow
Plant range
Europe (Alps)

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich, slightly alkaline soil in full sun with some midday shade or partial shade. Although hardy it is recommended for cultivation in an alpine house in the south of England

Propagation

Propagate by seed, root basal cuttings or take root cuttings when dormant

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

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

Diseases

May be subject to a leaf spot and grey mould

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