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Primrose, Drumstick

Herbaceous Perennial Flower

Primula denticulata
Primulaceae Family

One of the earliest flowering primroses, Drumstick Primrose produces globular pink, purple and white flower heads in spring. They make great companions for early-blooming daffodils, tulips and other spring-flowering bulbs.

	Site and Plant Characteristics
	Growing Information
	Varieties

Site Characteristics

Sunlight:

part shade

Can tolerate full sun if soil is kept moist.

Soil conditions:

requires well-drained soil

Prefers moist but well-drained soil.

Hardiness zones:

4 to 7

Special locations:

rock gardens - Good for shady rock gardens.

Plant Traits

Lifecycle: perennial

Ease-of-care: easy

Height: 0.75 to 1.5 feet

Spread: 0.75 to 1.5 feet

Bloom time:

early spring
mid-spring

Flower color:

violet
white
pink

Flowers often have a yellow center or "eye."

Foliage color: medium green

Foliage texture: medium

Shape: cushion, mound or clump

Foliage forms a low rosette after the flowers fade. Spreads to form clumps.

Shape in flower: flower stalks with flowers as globes

Globular inflorescense held high above the foliage on a thick, hairy stem.

Special Considerations

Special characteristics:

deer resistant
non-aggressive
non-invasive
not native to North America - Native to the Himalayas.

Growing Information

How to plant:

Propagate by seed, division or separation - Can be divided after flowering in the spring. Seed germinates best when fresh.

Maintenance and care:

Doesn't need frequent division. Divide in early spring.
Winter mulch is helpful where snow cover is minimal.
More growing information: How to Grow Perennials

Pests:

Spider mites
Slugs

Varieties

'Alba' has white flowers.
'Cashmeriana' has large purple flowers.
'Cashmeriana Rubin' has red flowers.
'Ronsdorf' has various colored flowers held 1� above the foliage.