Primula beesiana, commonly known as Bee’s Primrose, is a semi-deciduous perennial herb that is native to moist meadows and stream banks in South-Central China and Myanmar. It typically grows to a height and width of 1-2 feet. The plant features tiered whorls of bell-shaped flowers, which are a striking purple-pink with a yellow eye, blooming in early to mid-summer. These flowers are arranged in tiers above the foliage, giving it the appearance of a candelabra, hence its association with the group of candelabra primulas. Bee’s Primrose is valued for its unique floral structure and vibrant color, which can add visual interest to shady garden areas.

Bee’s Primrose is ideal for damp, shady garden spots and is often used around ponds or in bog gardens where its moisture requirements can be naturally met. It prefers part shade to full shade and consistently moist soil with good organic content. While it requires medium amounts of water, it is important to ensure that the soil has adequate drainage to prevent root rot. This species has been recognized with the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its reliability and performance in gardens. Care should be taken to protect it from slugs and snails, which can damage the foliage.CC BY-SA 4.0