Japanese Primrose
(Primula japonica)
Japanese Primrose (Primula japonica)
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Alpsdake
CC BY-SA 4.0
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Alpsdake
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CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo by: Alpsdake | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Alpsdake | Publisher: Wikipedia Commons
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Primula japonica, commonly known as Japanese Primrose, is a deciduous perennial herb native to the wetlands and stream margins of Japan. It typically grows to 45 centimeters (18 inches) in height and width. The plant is characterized by its rosettes of leaves up to 25 centimeters (9.8 inches) long and its striking clusters of purple flowers that appear on erect scapes reaching 2 feet (0.61 meters) high during the spring season. The flowers are quite showy, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking early-season color.
Japanese Primrose is valued for its vibrant floral display and its ability to thrive in moist, shady conditions, making it an excellent choice for waterside plantings, bog gardens, and woodland settings. It is also used for border planting due to its clumping habit. ’Miller’s Crimson’ features deep red flowers, while ’Postford White’ boasts pristine white blooms; both cultivars have received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. This primrose prefers consistently moist soil and part shade, though it can tolerate more sun in cooler climates. It requires soil with good drainage to prevent root rot. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to slugs and snails, which may damage the foliage.CC BY-SA 4.0
Japanese Primrose is valued for its vibrant floral display and its ability to thrive in moist, shady conditions, making it an excellent choice for waterside plantings, bog gardens, and woodland settings. It is also used for border planting due to its clumping habit. ’Miller’s Crimson’ features deep red flowers, while ’Postford White’ boasts pristine white blooms; both cultivars have received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. This primrose prefers consistently moist soil and part shade, though it can tolerate more sun in cooler climates. It requires soil with good drainage to prevent root rot. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to slugs and snails, which may damage the foliage.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-1.5 feet
- Width: 1-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink, Purple, Red, White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Wetlands and stream margins of Japan
Other Names
Common Names: Japanese Cowslip, Queen Of Primroses, Valley Red, Japanische Etagen-Primel, Primevère Du Japon, Japansk Viva, Kurin-SŌ
Scientific Names: , Primula japonica, Aleuritia japonica,
GBIF Accepted Name: Primula japonica A.Gray