Primula 'Rachel Kinnen' (Au)

RHS Plant Profile
auricula 'Rachel Kinnen'
auricula 'Rachel Kinnen' Dorling Kindersley Ltd

Synonyms

Primula auricula 'Rachel Kinnen'
Primula allionii 'Rachel Kinnen'

Conservatory Greenhouse Alpine Rockery Herbaceous Perennial

'Rachel Kinnen' is an evergreen, perennial, hybrid cultivar, up to 15cm tall, with rosettes of small, pale green leaves. Clusters of lilac flowers with white eyes are produced on short stems from early to late spring

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0-0.1 metre
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Primulaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
Accepted
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

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in partial shade in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil. May also be grown in an alpine house or greenhouse/conservatory using a specialist alpine plant compost based on loam with added lime. Avoid wetting the foliage. See primula cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed when ripe, division or by separating and rooting offsets in autumn or early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, slugs, leafhoppers and vine weevils

Diseases

May be susceptible to a virus, primula brown core and grey moulds