Primula vialii

Primroses come in many shapes and sizes. This species looks radically different from others, bearing upright stems with a rocket-shaped spike of flowers in a shocking combination of mauve-pink and scarlet red, appearing in summer. Plants require a rich, moist soil that will not dry out in the summer. Tolerates full sun in cool summer regions. Great for cutting. This species is not always long lived, but may self-seed when happy. Good choice for the waterside and excellent in shady parts of the rock garden. Received a Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit (1993).

12CM POT