Primula wilsonii (Pf)

RHS Plant Profile
Wilson's primrose
Wilson's primrose RHS
Bogs Herbaceous Perennial

A rosette-forming evergreen perennial, to 1m tall, with dark, smooth, aromatic leaves. Widely-spaced whorls of fragrant flowers appear from late spring into summer and may be dark purple or dark red to almost black. Prefers moist or boggy areas so ideal for the edge of a stream or pond

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Primulaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
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 partial shade, in deep, humus-rich, moist, neutral to acid loam soil, or naturally peaty soil. Tolerates full sun if soil remains moist at all times

Propagation

Propagate by division in autumn or after flowering

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal 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