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Herbaceous Perennial

Primula 'Iris Mainwaring' (Pr/Prim)

primrose 'Iris Mainwaring'

'Iris Mainwaring' is a compact, rosette-forming, semi-evergreen Primrose group primula up to 15cm, with oval, deep green leaves to 18cm long. Delicate pink flowers, 4cm across, with yellow centres, are produced in small clusters in spring

Synonyms
Primula juliae 'Iris Mainwaring'
Primula vulgaris 'Iris Mainwaring'
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© RHS
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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
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink Yellow Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
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

Accepted

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.

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How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in full sun or partial shade in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained, humus-rich-soil. May also be grown under glass in an alpine house or cold frame in a mix of equal parts peat-free, loam-based potting compost, leaf mould or peat-substitute and grit. See primula cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by division in autumn or early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

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

Diseases

May be susceptible to primula brown core and grey moulds

Get involved

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