Primula flaccida (Mu)

Synonyms

Primula nutans Delavay ex Franch.

Alpine Rockery Herbaceous Perennial

A deciduous perennial with rosettes of mid-green, shiny, toothed, ovate leaves. Clusters of short-lived, fragrant, lavender blue-purple, downward-facing tubular flowers appear on tall thin stems in May and June

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, 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

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

Position

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

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Primulaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
Muscarioides section primulas are rosette-forming herbaceous perennials with erect stems bearing bell-shaped flowers in a dense spike or head

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in full shade or partial shade in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil

Propagation

Easy to grow from seed, and will set seed if grown in groups. Propagate by division in autumn or after flowering

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

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

Diseases

May be susceptible to primula leaf spot, primula brown core and grey moulds