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Herbaceous Perennial

Primula alpicola (Si)
  • RHS AGM

moonlight primrose

A compact, deciduous herbaceous perennial with rosettes of green, oval to lance-shaped leaves. In early summer, dense clusters of fragrant, funnel-shaped flowers in shades of white, cream, yellow or purple are held on a stem arising from the centre of the leaf rosette. Thrives in damper parts of the garden

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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
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Yellow White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Primulaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
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
Sikkimensis section primulas are herbaceous perennials with long-stalked, oblong or oval leaves in a basal rosette, and erect stems bearing terminal umbels of nodding, fragrant, funnel-shaped flowers in summer
Plant range
Bhutan to SE Tibet

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in deep, fertile reliably moist soil in partial shade or sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Rock garden
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to primula leaf spot

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