Primula denticulata
(Drumstick Primula)
Family - Primulaceae
Category - Perennial
Origin - Himalaya
Year of Introduction - 1840
Season of Interest - Spring
Hardiness - H6
Height - 30cm
Width - 30cm
Location - The Stream Area
Description: A compact, clump-forming herbaceous Perennial. Mid-green Basal Leaves are oblong to obovate in shape and are paler on the undersides. Drumstick-like flower heads are composed of many lilac to purple, tubular-trumpet-shaped flowers, each with a yellow centre. Flowers are produced from early to late spring on upright stems. Many different cultivars of Primula denticulata in various shades of pink, white and purple are now available in commerce.
Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Flower:
Many lilac to purple, tubular-trumpet-shaped flowers with a yellow centre are held in dense, round umbels on upright stems (giving rise to the common name, Drumstick Primula). Flowers are produced from March into May.
Flower colour: Lilac, purple
Flower shape: Tubular-trumpet-shaped
Flowering time: March, April, May
Foliage:
Mid-green leaves are oblong to obovate (occasionally spathulate) in shape and have toothed margins. Leaves are held in basal rosettes and elongate to their full extent after the flowers have finished.
Foliage Senescence: Deciduous
Foliage Shape: Oblong to obovate, occasionally spathulate
Propagation:
Root cuttings, division, seed.
Cultivation:
Best in full sun to partial shade in rich, fertile soil that is moisture retentive, but well drained. Primula denticulata will perform best in a soil that is neutral to slightly acidic.