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Primula pulverulenta

candelabra primrose

Primulaceae Western China

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Container Friendly

SunPart Shade – Full Shade

WaterHigh

HardinessZones 4–8

Overview

Primula pulverulenta is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the candelabra group, reaching 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) tall in flower and 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) wide. Rosettes of oblong, toothed, dark green leaves 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) long sit at the base. In late spring to early summer, stout flower stems rise well above the foliage, dusted with white farina (a mealy, powdery coating), carrying 5-7 tiered whorls of flowers in the candelabra pattern. Individual flowers are crimson to red-purple with a darker eye, about 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm) across. The whole flowering display lasts 4-6 weeks as successive whorls open from the bottom up. Plants need permanently moist soil and decline quickly where the ground dries out. Foliage dies back in autumn. Self-sown seedlings appear readily around established plants in suitably damp ground.

Native Range

Native to western China, particularly Sichuan, where it grows along stream banks, in wet meadows, and in damp woodland clearings at montane elevations.

Suggested Uses

Grown in bog gardens, at pond and stream margins, and in damp woodland plantings, spaced 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart. Combines with ferns, hostas, and other candelabra primulas in moisture-retentive ground. Naturalizes by self-seeding where conditions stay damp.

How to Identify

Recognized by tall flower stems coated with white mealy farina, bearing 5-7 superimposed whorls of crimson to red-purple flowers with a darker central eye. Basal leaves are oblong, toothed, and 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) long. The farinose stems separate it from Primula japonica, whose stems lack the white powdery coating.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 3'

Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

red

purple

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~5 weeks

Spring

Blooms in late spring to early summer, May to June, with whorls opening in succession over 4-6 weeks. Cool, moist conditions prolong the display, while heat and dryness cut it short. A few late flowers may appear in a cool summer.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Crimson to red-purple

Foliage Description

Dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade

Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 6.5(Acidic)

357912

Soil Types

loam peat clay

Drainagewet

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in part shade in permanently moist to wet, humus-rich, acidic to neutral soil, including the margins of ponds and streams. Plants wilt and die back early where the soil dries out in summer. A spring mulch of leaf mould holds moisture and feeds the roots. Vine weevil and aphids are the main pests, and crown rot can occur in stagnant wet conditions. Clumps are short-lived, often lasting 3-4 years, but self-seed freely to maintain a colony. Division in spring renews aging plants.

Pruning

Deadhead spent flower stems to limit self-seeding, or leave them to scatter seed and form colonies. Remove yellowing foliage in autumn. No other pruning is needed.

Pruning Schedule

summerfall

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 2 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Unknown