Primula Candelabra hybrids (Pf)

RHS Plant Profile
primrose Candelabra hybrids

Synonyms

Primula candelabra 'Rainbows'
Primula candelabra 'Rainbow Mix'
Primula candelbra 'Plant World Rainbows'
Primula Candelabra mixed

Bogs Herbaceous Perennial

Candelabra hybrids are proliferae section primulas where the exact parentage is unknown. They are herbaceous perennials with leaves in basal rosettes, and flowerheads with layered whorls of flowers in shades of pink, red, purple, yellow, orange, or white in late spring and early summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or North–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
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
Correct
Horticultural Group
Proliferae section primulas are moisture-loving herbaceous or semi-evergreen perennials forming a rosette of basal leaves, with erect stems each carrying several whorls of salver-shaped flowers

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in deep, humus-rich, moist, neutral to acid soil, in partial shade; tolerates full sun if soil remains moist at all times

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required, but can be cut back after flowering

Pests

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

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds, primula leaf spot and primula brown core