Chirita sinensis
oak-nymph-leaved primulina
Primulina dryas is a small, tender perennial forming a flattened rosette of thick, evergreen, elliptic leaves, sometimes with silvery veins. Small clusters of tubular white flowers 2.5cm long with purple lobes and yellow markings in summer and autumn
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple White Yellow | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Purple White Yellow | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Gesneriaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Primulina are perennial herbs with thin to wide leathery leaves and attractive flowers. Leaves vary in colour from dark, shiny green to variegated and spotted. Flowers are tubular in shades of pink, purple, yellow or white.
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained, humus-rich, gritty soil in partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown under glass at a temperature of 19-24°C in late winter to spring. Plant out when danger of frost is over
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be subject to stem rot in damp conditions
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.