Primula prolifera (Candelabra Primrose)

One of the tallest candelabra primroses, Primula prolifera is an evergreen perennial with bright whorls of fragrant golden-yellow flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), from early to mid-summer. Each lightly farina-dusted stem displays up to 7 whorls spaced at intervals, that open in succession and stay in bloom for many weeks. They rise atop a rosette of deep green, spoon-shaped leaves. Unlike most other candelabra primroses, this plant is evergreen and retains its foliage during the winter. Native to western China, this free-flowering perennial thrives in damp environments and withstands very wet conditions. Adding height to the garden, this is one of the latest candelabras to bloom. It looks breathtaking with Japanese Irises.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• Easily grows up to 30-48 in. tall and across (75-120 cm), this plant quickly establishes to a good size by self-sowing and looks particularly beautiful when grown in mass.
• A part shade lover, it is best grown in humus-rich, consistently moist, neutral to acid soils. This plant may be grown in full sun in cool summer areas, provided the soil remains moist. Mulch this plant to help maintain the soil moisture and keep the roots cool. Wet soil tolerated.
• A very versatile primrose that can be used in partially shaded beds and borders, cottage gardens, bog gardens, or along streams and ponds.
• Cut back after flowering. Propagate by division in early spring
• Deer resistant but watch out for pests such as aphids, vine weevil, slugs and glasshouse red spider mite.
• Native from the eastern Himalayas to Indonesia