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Herbaceous Perennial

Primula vulgaris subsp. sibthorpii (Pr/Prim)
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Sibthorp primrose

A semi-evergreen rosette-forming perennial about 15-20cm tall, with wedge-shaped bright green leaves, and clusters of long-stalked rose-pink, red purple or white flowers 2-3cm wide in early spring

Synonyms
Primula sibthorpii
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Primulaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous or 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
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.
Plant range
E. Balkan Peninsula

How to grow

Cultivation

Best planted in dappled shade in humus-rich, moist neutral to acid soil. Tolerates full sun if soil remains moist at all times. See primula cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed; take root cuttings when dormant in winter. Divide between autumn and early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Rock garden
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Susceptible to leafhoppers, vine weevil, slugs and snails, caterpillars and aphids

Diseases

May be affected by primula brown core, grey mould, primula leaf spot and a virus

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