Primula japonica ‘Miller’s Crimson’ (Japanese Primrose)

One of the earliest candelabra primroses to bloom, award-winning Primula japonica ‘Miller’s Crimson’ (Japanese Primrose) is a robust, deciduous perennial with attractive whorls of crimson flowers, 1 in. across (2 cm), adorned with a darker eye. Each stout stem can boast up to six whorls spaced at intervals. They arise from a basal rosette of lettuce-like, pale green crinkly leaves. Native to Japan, this perennial thrives in damp, shady environments where it brings its eye-catching blossoms in late spring to early summer. Plant in groups or drifts with ferns, spring bulbs or ornamental grasses in damp open woodlands, next to streams and ponds.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Easily grows up to 12-18 in. tall and wide (30-45 cm). This plant quickly establishes to a good size by self-sowing and looks particularly beautiful when grown in mass. While winter-deciduous, it will return with vigor year after year.
• A part shade lover, it is best grown in humus–rich, consistently moist, neutral to acid soils. Mulch this plant to help maintain the soil moisture and keep the roots cool. Wet soil tolerated.
• This plant is very versatile and can be used in partially shaded beds and borders, in cottage gardens, bog gardens, or along streams, ponds.
• Cut back after flowering.
• Attracts butterflies, deer resistant. Watch out for pests such as aphids, vine weevil, slugs and glasshouse red spider mite.
• Propagate by division in early spring.