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Fairy Primrose Wikimedia Commons
Primulaceae

Fairy Primrose

Primula malacoides

Daintiness and enchantment.

Family
Primulaceae
Genus
Primula
Native to
China, Myanmar
Bloom season
Winter, Spring
Type
annual herb
Height
0.5-1.5 ft
Sunlight
part shade
Soil
moist, well-drained, rich
Water
moderate
Hardiness
8-10
Lifespan
annual

Did you know

  • Fairy primrose produces multiple tiers of flowers on each stem, creating a candelabra-like effect.
  • The plant was introduced to Western cultivation from Yunnan province of China in 1906 by plant collector George Forrest.
  • The leaves are covered in a powdery white substance called farina, which can cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
  • In mild climates, fairy primrose will self-sow freely, creating naturalized colonies in shaded garden areas.
  • It blooms during the coolest months when few other flowers are available, making it invaluable for winter color in mild regions.

Color meanings

0

youthful beauty

1

early love

Uses

  • winter bedding
  • container gardens
  • greenhouse displays
  • cool-season color