A Japanese import some 130 years ago, Primula japonica is a classic garden plant of easy culture. A very typical candelabra Primula it has stunning whorled tiers of rich colour flowers standing majestically above striking mid-green luxuriant foliage. It is very tolerant of the wettest heavy soils; in fact it will thrive under such conditions. Flowering time is May and height at its peak is 60cm (2 feet). Being the earliest of the “ponicas” to flower (late April) it brings a welcome cheer to the spring bog garden. Primula japonica forms a large clump which is easily divided and will self seed all around given damp dappled conditions. It will grow in full light in the bog garden but given some dappled shade will grow in most situations where the soil remains moist at all times. The variety on offer is a selection which I call ‘Peninsula Pink’. It is a strong grower and the foliage is also very attractive – having a variegated appearance during summer.

Here we offer four medium to tall candelabra primulas with hot colours suitable for growing in a tub, half barrel or other large container.

Primula chungensis (top left)
The white mealy flower stems grow to 40cm (16 inches) during May into June and produce up to 5 whorls of deep yellow flowers with an orange tube (base of flower).  The orange flower tube is scarlet in bud but orange red in full flower giving a pleasant two-tone effect.  

Primula wilsonii var anisodora (top right)
This is an elegant, pretty candelabra Primula for a cool and shaded position.  Flowering at 40cm (16 inches) it will give a magnificent display in late May to the end of June.  The dark evergreen foliage is very attractive.  The photograph shows just one of the 5 to 7 whorls of flowers.  Primula wilsonii var anisodora is extremely hardy as it originates in south west Sichuan (a province in China).  The flowers attract pollinating insects such a bees.

Primula japonica ‘Valley Red’ (bottom left)

Primula japonica ‘Valley Red’ is a classic garden plant of easy culture.  A very typical candelabra Primula it has striking whorled tiers of rich coloured flowers standing majestically above striking mid-green luxuriant foliage.  Flowering time is May and height at its peak is 60cm (2 feet).    Being the earliest of the “ponicas” to flower (late April) it brings a welcome cheer to the hot tub.

Primula prolifera (bottom right)
Primula prolifera is a hardy evergreen perennial candelabra.  The whorls of flowers develop on tall stems of about 90cm (3 feet) during May into June.  This eastern Sino-Himalayan species is a hardy evergreen perennial candelabra introduce in 1912.  It is an attractive popular clump forming garden plant and the large leaves give it a roughly rugose appearance.  

Please note that varieties may be supplied different to those highlighted, for example Primula japonica Millers Crimson instead of P japonica Valley Red.

All plants supplied are of mature flowering size. All plants are supplied without compost (compost removed or reduced) thus saving on postage costs. Plants are garden ready for planting or potting.

This is an elegant, pretty candelabra Primula for a position in the garden that never dries out. Flowering at 60cm (24 inches) it will give a magnificent display in late May to the end of June. The dark evergreen foliage is very attractive.
The photograph shows just one of the 5 to 7 whorls of flowers. Primula wilsonii var anisodora is extremely hardy as it originates in south west Sichuan (a province in China). The flowers attract pollinating insects such a bees. Another added bonus is it will spread by self-sown seedlings in moist ground situations.
Plants supplied bare-root ex-pots for immediate planting or potting.

This delicate deciduous candelabra primula is just as hardy as other plants in this group. It originates from south-west Sichuan in western China and grows at high altitude ensuring its hardy pedigree. The flowers are carried on slender stems to 30 cm (1 foot) and are of a pleasing yellow colour. This colour should be carefully placed in the designed garden but it does look great at the front of borders and various containers. It will grow well in a soil well supplied with organic matter which ensures steady moisture but not excessive wet conditions. It will not do well in saturated soils such as bog gardens. Primula cockburniana Yellow Form assorts well with other classic garden plants like Rhododendron. Plants supplied are sent bare-root and are of flowering size.

Primula bulleyana This is a perennial candelabra Primula of outstanding garden merit. Having been grown for over 100 years this species has a proven track record. It is very hardy and establishes itself as a strong clump. Being June flowering it adds a splash of colour, few other plants can compete with. The 60cm (2 feet) tall flowering stems, carry 6 to 8 whorls of flowers. This candelabra species enjoys a damp spot in the garden and will thrive under such conditions. It is an ideal species beside ponds and streams and assorts well with all of the other candelabras such as Primula bulleyana subsp beesiana and Harlow Carr Hybrids. The plant spreads itself by self sown seedlings in damp conditions. It also looks very attractive in the garden border in a soil that does not dry out.

A Japanese import some 130 years ago, Primula japonica is a classic garden plant of easy culture. A very typical candelabra Primula it has striking whorled tiers of rich colours standing majestically above striking mid-green luxuriant foliage. It is very tolerant of the wettest heavy soils; in fact it will thrive under such conditions. Flowering time is May and height at its peak is 60cm (2 feet). Primula japonica forms a large clump which is easily divided and will self seed all around given damp dappled conditions. It will grow in full light in the bog garden but given some dappled shade will grow in most situations where the soil remains moist at all times.

Primula chungensis was introduced to cultivation just over 100 years ago from the mountains of south-west Sichuan (a province in China). In its native land it is found growing in marshy places and along damp streamsides. It is better grown in the garden in a place that is not too wet. It is excellent when grown with other woodland plants such as Rhododendron and Camellias. Semi-shade is ideal and a soil that remains moist at all times with lots of organic matter such as leaf mould or garden compost being incorporated into the planting site. The white mealy flower stems grow to 40cm (16 inches) during May into June and produce up to 5 whorls of yellow flowers with an orange tube (base of flower). The orange flower tube is scarlet in bud but orange red in full flower giving a pleasant two-tone effect. Plants supplied are of mature flowering size and supplied bare-root for immediate planting to potting.

Primula japonica and its many forms are essential plants for the spring bog garden or wet woodland. Flowering time is May and height at its peak is 60cm (2 feet). A very typical candelabra Primula it has stunning whorled tiers of beautiful bright purple pink flowers standing majestically above striking mid-green luxuriant foliage. Plants supplied are of flowering size and bare-root.

A Japanese import some 130 years ago, Primula japonica is a classic garden plant of easy culture. A very typical candelabra Primula it has striking whorled tiers of rich colours standing majestically above striking mid-green luxuriant foliage. It is very tolerant of the wettest heavy soils; in fact it will thrive under such conditions. Flowering time is May and height at its peak is 60cm (2 feet). Primula japonica forms a large clump which is easily divided and will self seed all around given damp dappled conditions. It will grow in full light in the bog garden but given some dappled shade will grow in most situations where the soil remains moist at all times.

This is a really lovely hardy, easy and vigorous candelabra Primula of strong constitution. A little taller than others at 70cm (2½ feet) it adds a touch of class to the May garden. Primula burmanica comes from the Burma-Yunnan frontier where it grows in wet meadows; the foliage is attractive and a beautiful mid green. It likes to grow in moist soils in dappled light conditions and assorts well with other plants such as Astilbe. Plants supplied are of flowering size and will flower next season. Supplied bare-root (without compost).

This is an elegant, pretty candelabra Primula for a position in the garden that never dries out. Flowering at 60cm (24 inches) it will give a magnificent display in late May to the end of June. The dark evergreen foliage is very attractive.
The photograph shows just one of the 5 to 7 whorls of flowers. Primula wilsonii var anisodora is extremely hardy as it originates in south west Sichuan (a province in China). The flowers attract pollinating insects such a bees. Another added bonus is it will spread by self-sown seedlings in moist ground situations.
Plants supplied bare-root ex-pots for immediate planting or potting.