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.