Primula palinuri (Au)
Palinuro auricula
A rosette-forming evergreen perennial, with fleshy mid-green leaves that are sometimes hairy and lightly toothed. Produces clusters of many lightly scented, funnel-shaped flowers with silvery calyxes, yellow petals and a ring of creamy white at the throats, on stout stems in late winter and early spring
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Yellow White | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical 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
Correct
- 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
- Plant range
- Italy
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow outdoors in well drained soil in full sun, or in an alpine house or cold frame in a mix of equal parts peat-free, loam-based potting compost, leaf mould and grit. Avoid wetting the foliage when watering
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe, or in late winter or early spring, or by division between autumn and early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Rock garden
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Banks and slopes
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, red spider mites, leafhoppers, vine weevil and slugs
Diseases
May be susceptible to grey moulds, primula brown core and virus diseases
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.