Primula russeola (Cy)

Alpine Rockery Herbaceous Perennial

A clump-forming, evergreen alpine perennial with fleshy green leaves, furry around the edges and with a deep midrib. Umbels of violet flowers appear from mid-spring until summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or 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
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Primulaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
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
Correct
Horticultural Group
Crystallophlomis primulas form long, narrow, upright leaves with several flower stems per plant carrying one to three whorls of pink, purple, white or cream flowers
Plant Range
China, Tibet

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in partial shade in deep, humus-rich, moist, neutral to acid soil. Will tolerate sun if soil is kept moist

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe, or divide established clumps in early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Rock garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
  • Ground cover

Pruning

Cut back flower stems when flowers have faded

Pests

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

Diseases

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