Primula vialii (Orchid Primrose)
Orchid Primrose, Vial's Primrose, Primula Littoniana, Red-Hot Poker Primrose, Chinese Pagoda Primrose
Fascinating with its unusual spires of tiny, pinkish-purple flowers, that are red at the top of the spike when in bud, Primula vialii (Orchid Primrose) is a striking perennial. Borne on stout stems above rosettes of spear-shaped, erect, light green leaves, these rocket-shaped spikes are quite long-lasting and provide a spectacular effect when planted in groups. Native to moist mountain areas in China, this perennial thrives in damp, shady environments where it brings in early to mid-summer its intriguing colored blossoms. Primroses are brilliant vehicles for adding color to the shade garden.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
- Easily grows up to 12-18 in. tall (30-45 cm) and spreads 9-12 in (22-30 cm). Although this plant is short-lived, it may self-seed in satisfactory growing conditions.
- 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.
- This primrose is very versatile and can be used in partially shaded beds and borders, cottage gardens, underplanting shrubs and roses, bog gardens, containers, or along streams, and ponds. Since the foliage goes dormant for 7 months, plant it around hostas and ferns.
- A low-maintenance plant (cut back after flowering).
- Easy to start from seed, they will bloom in their second year.
- Deer and rabbit resistant!
Primula (Primrose): How to Grow and Care with Success
Want to learn how to grow and care for Primrose flowers like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy the beauty of these striking plantsRead More
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Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 5
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Primula - Primrose |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid) |
Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 9" – 1' (22cm – 30cm) |
Spacing | 9" – 12" (22cm – 30cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit, Wet Soil |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Bog Gardens, Patio and Containers, Ponds and Streams, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
By Ann in the UK, Andrew Fletcher / Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 5
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Primula - Primrose |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid) |
Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 9" – 1' (22cm – 30cm) |
Spacing | 9" – 12" (22cm – 30cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit, Wet Soil |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Bog Gardens, Patio and Containers, Ponds and Streams, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |