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Overview
Primula sieboldii is Siebold's primrose, growing 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) tall and 8–14 inches (20–35 cm) wide. Flowers 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) with 5 deeply notched to fringed petals in umbels of 5–15 on stems 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) in mid to late spring — colors span white, pink, rose, lavender, and magenta. Hundreds of named cultivars exist in Japan, where the species has been a major hobby plant since the Edo period (1603–1868) — the cultivar variation includes snowflake-shaped petal edges, picotee margins, and bicolor forms. Light to medium green oval scalloped softly hairy leaves 3–6 inches (7–15 cm). In the primrose family (Primulaceae). Summer-dormant: the foliage yellows and the plant disappears entirely by midsummer — the dormancy gap must be filled by companion plants (similar to Lamprocapnos spectabilis). Spreads slowly by creeping rhizomes — not aggressive. Named after Philipp Franz von Siebold (1796–1866), German physician and botanist who collected plants in Japan. Native to Japan, Korea, Manchuria, and Siberia, growing in moist meadows and open woodland. Consistent moisture through the spring growing season. Partial shade to full shade. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 4–8. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Native to Japan, Korea, Manchuria (northeastern China), and Siberia, growing in moist meadows, stream margins, and open woodland.Suggested Uses
Grown in woodland gardens and shade borders in zones 4–8. The fringed flowers in spring and the summer dormancy gap (fill with later perennials) define the cultivation pattern. Hundreds of cultivars from Japan. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'
Width/Spread8" - 1'2"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Mid to late spring (April–May), lasting 2–3 weeks. Flowers in white, pink, rose, lavender, or magenta with fringed petal tips. Summer-dormant: foliage disappears by midsummer. The dormancy gap requires companion plants.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, pink, rose, lavender, or magenta; 5-petaled with deeply notched to fringed petal tips; 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm); in umbelsFoliage Description
Light to medium green, oval, scalloped margins, softly hairy, 3-6 inches (7-15 cm)Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-4 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Partial shade to full shade. Consistent moisture through spring. Summer-dormant — the plant disappears by midsummer. Mark the dormant position. Spreads slowly by rhizomes. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 4–8.Pruning
Remove spent flower stems after bloom. Allow foliage to yellow naturally before removing — the leaves fuel rhizome reserves. The plant disappears entirely in summer dormancy.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
fall
Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons