Alphabetical Plant Listing

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 gardenscontainers, 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

Not sure which Primula - Primrose to pick?
Compare All Primula - Primrose

Buy Primula vialii (Orchid Primrose)

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

Buy Plants

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Primula - Primrose

Guides with Primula - Primrose


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

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Primula - Primrose

Guides with Primula - Primrose

Plant Calculator

How many Primula vialii (Orchid Primrose) do I need for my garden?

%
ft
ft

Your Shopping List

Plant Quantity
Primula vialii (Orchid Primrose)

Find your Hardiness Zone

Find your Climate Zone

Find your Heat Zone

Join Gardenia.net

Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

Join now and start creating your dream garden!

Create a New Collection

Optional. For your reference.


Move Selected Plants to a Different Collection


Delete Collection

This field is required.

Rename Collection

This field is required.