Primula cockburniana (Pf)

RHS Plant Profile
Cockburnia primrose
Award of Garden Merit
Herbaceous Perennial Bogs

A short-lived perennial making a rosette of oblong leaves, with an erect scape bearing several whorls of salver-shaped, bright orange flowers 1.5cm across, tinged red on outside, in early summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Primulaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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
Proliferae section primulas are moisture-loving herbaceous or semi-evergreen perennials forming a rosette of basal leaves, with erect stems each carrying several whorls of salver-shaped flowers
Plant Range
China

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in deep moist or moist but well-drained neutral to acid, humus-rich soil in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed. Sow on the surface of the compost as soon as ripe in late winter or early spring. Can be propagated by division between autumn and early spring. Take root cuttings when dormant in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Diseases

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