PlantFiles: Fairy Primrose
Primula malacoides

Unfortunately, the snails and slugs adore this plant and unless I hover over it and use lots of snail bait, it disappears. I have had more success growing it in hanging baskets, out of their reach. However, I much prefer the obconica primroses for their wider range of colors and foliage and flowers that are not nearly so esteemed by the gastropods.

The sweetest of secret garden plants, very reliable, delicate and easy to grow.

An evergreen perennial from China.

Has hairy, pale green, ovate leaves with wavy margins. Bears hairy spikes of white, pale lavender to pinkish red flowers which may either be single or double.

Flowers December - March

This Primula isn't frost hardy at all and is often grown as an annual. It needs a cool, shaded, frost free greenhouse or be grown as a houseplant. Loves well drained, peaty, fertile soil in a spot which is lightly shaded most of the day.