Primula 'Don Keefe' (Pr/Poly)

RHS Plant Profile
polyanthus 'Don Keefe'
polyanthus 'Don Keefe' RHS
Herbaceous Perennial

'Don Keefe' is a semi-evergreen perennial to 20cm with light green leaves and rich, orange-red flowers clustered on upright stems from late winter to late spring

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Primulaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi 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
Polyanthus group primulas are rosette-forming perennials with umbels of salver-shaped flowers. They are usually grown as biennials by sowing seed in summer and planting out in autumn for flowers in winter and spring.

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, do not allow to dry out in hot weather. See Primroses and polyanthus cultivation

Propagation

Divide in autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

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

Diseases

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