This annual has a low shrubby habit with a rosette of attractive pale-green elliptical leaves. It produces mauve, purple, carmine or pink trumpet-shaped flowers in a upright cluster that appears above the foliage from winter to early spring.

Hardiness zones 8 to 11

Primula malacoides is naturally found in China growing in well drained fertile moist light soils in an open sunny position and is frost and drought tender.

Primula is grown for its flowers and is planted in parks and gardens along borders or used in bedding displays. It is also grown in patio pots for colour or used in window boxes. It establishes in one season tolerating a semi-shaded position and can be planted in rockeries. Care must be taken as the plants self sows easily and can become a weed. ID 201

Primula(PREEM-ew-la) malacoides(mă-la-KOI-deez)

'Primula': Latin primus - first or early; 'malacoides': like mallow.

Primulaceae (PRIM-ew-LAY-see-ee)
Primroses