Primula vulgaris Drumcliffe ('K74'PBR) (Pr/Prim)

RHS Plant Profile
primrose [Drumcliffe]
primrose [Drumcliffe] RHS

Synonyms

Primula vulgaris 'K74'PBR

Award of Garden MeritPlants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

A compact, rosette-forming, semi-evergreen perennial with oblong, heavily veined, bronze-to purple-flushed, dark green leaves and, in spring, fragrant, white to pale pink flowers with yellow throats.

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Clay, Chalk

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 Clay Chalk
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral or Acid or Alkaline

Position

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

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
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
Trade
Horticultural Group
Primrose group primulas are mainly grown as herbaceous perennials, and produce clusters of flowers on individual stems from the basal rosettes, although a few may also have umbel-like flowers. They are either spring-flowering, if grown without protection, or winter- to spring-flowering, if grown as biennial container plants in greenhouses or indoors.

How to Grow

Cultivation

Favours a sheltered position in moist but free-draining soil in sun or partial shade. See primula cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed or division

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
  • Garden edging

Pruning

No pruning required, but any old or faded leaves can be removed if necessary

Pests

May be susceptible to some slug damage on new growth.

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds in damp or overcrowded situations.