Primulas for damp soils

Rising from rosettes of leaves at ground level, tall stems hold their saucer-like flowers outwards in concentric circles. Colours include white and shades of yellow, pink, purple, red and orange. One exception, P. vialli has conical flowers in lilac or white.

This group prefer reliably moist soil in partial shade. Some need acid soil. They can tolerate full sun provided the soil stays reasonably damp in summer.

These plants will not do well in poor, dry soil, especially in full sun.

Larger types appreciate regular applications of garden compost or other organic soil improver to maintain soil fertility.