Primula Sweetheart (mixed) (Pr/Prim)

RHS Plant Profile
primrose [Sweetheart]
Herbaceous Perennial

A collection of perennial primroses with rosettes of evergreen leaves, and flowers with frilly petals in shades from creamy yellow to rose pink.

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam

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

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical 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
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 deep, humus-rich, moist soil. Partial shade is ideal, but will tolerate full sun if the soil is kept moist. See primula cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by division between autumn and early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Bedding
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging

Pruning

Deadhead to promote flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, glasshouse leafhopper and vine weevil. Slugs and snails may cause damage to leaves

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey mould, primula brown core (root rot) and virus diseases