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    PRIMULA
    PRIMULA
    © Burncoose Nurseries, all pictures for illustrative purposes only.
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    PRIMULA PRIMULA PRIMULA PRIMULA PODOPHYLLUM versipelle 'Kaleidoscope' and PRIMULA © Burncoose Nurseries, all pictures for illustrative purposes only. PRIMULA helodoxa and PRIMULA pulverulenta © Burncoose Nurseries, all pictures for illustrative purposes only.
    >

    PRIMULA

    Symbols of spring, prima rosa, appearing in the UK in woodlands, hedgebanks and grassy places and originating mainly in the northern hemisphere with almost half of species coming from the Himalayas.

    Genus of about 400 species of mainly herbaceous perennials, some woody based and evergreen.

    In groups of upright candelabras, the very diverse primrose/polyantha and the auriculas which include those with centres of white meal displayed as show auriculas.

    Represented in the UK by the common P. vulgaris, the cowslip, P. veris (which makes a potent wine), a hybrid between them, false oxlip and the true oxlip. P. elatoir existing in a small area of boulder clay in East Anglia.

    Around Yorkshire and Cumbria in damp, peaty places P. farinosa, the bird's-eye primrose grows and to the north on the north and north-west coast of Scotland the similar P. scotica is native.

    Full Plant Details - Sun/Soil & other attributes
    • Good to know
      Syn. P. prolifera. The easiest Asiatic primula to grow.
    • Pests & Diseases
      Aphids, red spider mite, vine weevil, slugs, viruses, grey mould(Botrytis).
    • Place of origin
      From India(Assam) to south-western China, northern Burma, Indonesia.
    • Evergreen
      Spoon-shaped or diamond-shaped deep-green leaves to 35cm (14in) long. 1 - 7 whorls of 3 - 12 salverform flowers 2.5cm (1in) across.
    • Fully hardy
    • Height
      60cm (24in)
    • Spread
      60cm (24in)
    • Herbaceous
    • Hardy - cold winter
      Hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters. May not withstand open/exposed sites or central/northern locations. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -15°C (5°F)
    • Scented flowers
    • Neutral to acid soil
      Requires deep, humus-rich soil.
    • Partial shade
      Will tolerate full sun if soil remains moist.
    • Mature Size
      60cm (24in)
      		 Herbaceous - guide for size not form Watering Can
        60cm (24in)
      		  
    View Planting Tips and Care Advice
    Herbaceous Plants - Video Collection
    Primula - Growing Guide
    View Customers Also Bought
    PRIMULA bulleyana

    PRIMULA bulleyana

    Available from £5.00
    view
    PRIMULA japonica 'Miller's Crimson'

    PRIMULA japonica 'Miller's Crimson'

    Available from £5.00
    view
    PRIMULA pulverulenta

    PRIMULA pulverulenta

    Available from £14.00
    view
    PRIMULA beesiana

    PRIMULA beesiana

    Available from £5.00
    view
    View Planting Combinations

    varieties

    CANDELABRA TYPES

    PRIMULA beesiana
    Shades of lilac-purple
     
    Seeds
    £5.00
    1.5 to 2 Litre
    £14.00
    PRIMULA bulleyana
    Red buds opening orange
     
    Seeds
    £5.00
    Unavailable
    Notify me when this plant is available to order
    1.5 to 2 Litre
    £14.00
    PRIMULA japonica 'Apple Blossom'
    Light pink
     
    1.5 to 2 Litre
    £14.00
    PRIMULA japonica 'Miller's Crimson'
    Red
     
    Seeds
    £5.00
    1.5 to 2 Litre
    £14.00
    PRIMULA japonica 'Postford White'
    White
     
    1.5 to 2 Litre
    £14.00
    PRIMULA pulverulenta
    Magenta pink
     
    1.5 to 2 Litre
    £14.00
    Available late spring to early summer 2026
    Spring according to the Met Office is defined as March 1st - May 31st. Therefore late spring is mid-April onwards. This is not a guaranteed date but an estimate and subject to availability.
    Notify me when this plant is available to order

    OTHER PRIMULAS

    PRIMULA denticulata
    Lilac-purple drum-stick primula
     
    1.5 to 2 Litre
    £13.00
    PRIMULA denticulata alba
    Good white form
     
    1.5 to 2 Litre
    £13.00
    Available late spring to early summer 2026
    Spring according to the Met Office is defined as March 1st - May 31st. Therefore late spring is mid-April onwards. This is not a guaranteed date but an estimate and subject to availability.
    Notify me when this plant is available to order
    PRIMULA florindae
    Late flowering, canary-yellow, scented
     
    1.5 to 2 Litre
    £13.00
    Available late spring to early summer 2026
    Spring according to the Met Office is defined as March 1st - May 31st. Therefore late spring is mid-April onwards. This is not a guaranteed date but an estimate and subject to availability.
    Notify me when this plant is available to order
    PRIMULA veris
    Cowslip
    Variable yellow flowers
     
    1 to 1.5 Litre
    £13.00
    PRIMULA vialli
    Lilac poker-like flowers, red in bud
     
    Seeds
    £6.00
    1 to 1.5 Litre
    £13.00
    PRIMULA vialli 'Alison Holland'
    Vial's primrose
    Spikes of white flowers
     
    1.5 to 2 Litre
    £13.00
    Available late spring to early summer 2026
    Spring according to the Met Office is defined as March 1st - May 31st. Therefore late spring is mid-April onwards. This is not a guaranteed date but an estimate and subject to availability.
    Notify me when this plant is available to order
    PRIMULA vulgaris
    Primrose
    fragrant pale yellow flowers
     
    1 to 1.5 Litre
    £13.00
    PRIMULA 'Wanda'
    Dark claret-red flowers in early spring
     
    1.5 to 2 Litre
    £13.00

    Useful extras...

    Vermin & Pest Control
    SB Plant Invigorator
    This is a non-biological non-chemical plant insecticide and mildewcide. Works against the physical motion of the insect. Perfect for all plants and edible crops.
    500 ml
    £8.00
    Vermin & Pest Control
    Slug Pellets
    Slug killer blue mini pellets are easy to use and give effective control of slugs and snails. Ideal in garden, conservatory or greenhouse.
    800g
    £6.50
    Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
    Wildflower Mini Meadow
    Creates a mini-meadow for attracting bees, butterflies and bugs to your garden. 200g sachet which will cover 3 square metres. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi.
    3m²
    £7.00
    10m²
    £15.50
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