Primrose 'Purple Flame' (Primula vulgaris) – Hardy Spring Bedding Plant (12 x 10.5cm Pots)

Purple Flame primroses bring rich, velvety purple flowers with a bright yellow eye to the garden from late winter into spring. This is a classic primrose combination that gives bold, reliable colour when little else is flowering.

Primula vulgaris is a compact, low-growing, rosette-forming plant with crinkled, mid-green leaves. It suits the front of a border, a rockery, a woodland corner, a window box or a patio pot. The early flowers are a useful source of nectar for bees and other pollinators. It is fully hardy in Britain and, although often bought as one season of spring colour, it is a true perennial that will return year after year if planted out in the garden.

You receive 12 plants, each in its own 10.5cm pot, well established and ready to plant straight into borders, beds or containers. Together they make an instant, matching display for filling gaps, edging a path or planting up seasonal pots. Plant in dappled shade or morning sun in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil. Primroses will only take full sun where the soil stays moist. Space them about 20-25cm apart, water in well and keep the soil consistently moist. In containers, make sure the drainage is good.

Upkeep is light: deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers and water during dry spells. Primulas can cause stomach upset and skin irritation if eaten or handled, so wash your hands after planting.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Primrose, Garden Primrose
• Botanical Name: Primula vulgaris
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: Approx. 15-20cm tall and 20-25cm wide (variety dependent)
• Growth Habit: Compact, low-growing, rosette-forming perennial
• Perfect For: Borders, containers, window boxes, rockeries, woodland gardens
• Foliage: Mid-green, crinkled, oval leaves forming a low basal rosette
• Flowering Time: Late winter to spring (January to April)
• Flower Colour: Deep purple with a yellow eye
• Planting Position: Partial shade to full sun, with full sun only where the soil stays moist
• Soil Type: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil
• Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK
• Maintenance: Low. Deadhead spent blooms and water during dry spells
• Seasonal Interest: Autumn, winter and spring
• Type: Hardy perennial / seasonal bedding plant