Primula denticulata 'Lilac' (Drumstick Primula) – Hardy Perennial (Set of 3 or 6)

Primula denticulata, the drumstick primula, holds tight globes of soft lilac flowers on stout upright stems well above the leaves, and is one of the first perennials to flower each spring.

This is the drumstick type rather than a bedding primrose, so it wants reliably moist, even wet, humus rich soil in partial shade, and will only take full sun where the ground never dries out. It reaches 30 to 40cm tall and 30 to 40cm across, forming a basal rosette of spoon shaped mid green leaves, and is a good plant for a border edge, a woodland planting, a pond margin or a large container. It is fully hardy across Britain, including in cold winters.

Left alone it settles in, forms steadily larger clumps and returns every year with very little asked of it. Water it through dry spells and watch for vine weevil grubs if you grow it in pots. Supplied as well established 1L rootballs, ready to plant out or pot on. The early flowers are a valuable nectar source for bees when little else is open. All primulas can cause stomach upset if eaten and skin irritation on handling.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Drumstick primula, drumstick primrose
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 30 to 40cm tall and 30 to 40cm across
• Growth Habit: Clump forming rosette with upright flower stems
• Perfect For: Border edges, woodland planting, pond margins and containers
• Foliage: Mid green, spoon shaped leaves in a basal rosette
• Flowering Time: Early to mid spring
• Planting Position: Partial shade or full sun where the soil stays moist, and good in containers
• Soil Type: Moist, humus rich, well drained soil that never dries out
• Hardiness: Fully hardy, RHS H7
• Maintenance: Low. Keep the soil moist and divide congested clumps after flowering
• Seasonal Interest: Spring
• Type: Hardy herbaceous perennial

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