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Herbaceous Perennial

Primula vulgaris Innisfree ('K72'PBR) (Kennedy Irish Series) (Pr/Prim)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

primrose [Innisfree]

A compact clump-forming, semi-evergreen perennial with oblong to ovate, glossy, heavily veined, purple to bronze-flushed, dark green leaves. In spring, dark red flowers with yellow eyes appear

Synonyms
Primula vulgaris 'K72'PBR
Primula 'Innisfree' (Kennedy Irish)
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Clay
Chalk
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral, Alkaline, Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red Yellow Green Bronze Purple
Summer Green Bronze Purple
Autumn Bronze Green Purple
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Primulaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
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

Grow in moist but free draining soil in partial shade or sun. See primula cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed or division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • hanging basket
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
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.

Get involved

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