Introducing...
Specialist primulas
Botanical name: Primula
Several primula species are best grown in a rock garden or in an unheated alpine house that protects them from extreme weather.
Looks
Dainty-looking and forming tight domes of leaves, these perennials often have flowers (pink, white or violet and saucer-shaped) that are large in relation to the plant, held just above the leaves.
Likes
They must have good drainage, so grow them in a rock garden, trough or pots of gritty compost in sun or partial shade. Hardy types thrive in a well-ventilated, unheated greenhouse.
Dislikes
Most of these plants hate being wet in winter (but tolerate freezing temperatures). They dislike high temperatures in summer, so should be kept shaded during hot weather.
Did you know?
The leaves of many alpine primulas and somtimes the flowers havea a dusting of a floury substance known as farina. This is thought to act as protection against strong sun.
Growing guide
How to grow specialist primulas
All the information you need to grow and care for specialist primulas can be found in the RHS guide to growing alpines
Useful advice
Chalky soils: plants for
Chalky soils
Clay soils: plants for
Sandy soils: plants for
Soil types
Soil: cultivation
Soil: understanding pH and testing soil
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