Primula vialii
"Vial's primrose"
Orders placed before 1 September 2024
You can expect your order in September 2024
Orders placed 1 September - 15 October 2024
You can expect your order in October 2023
Orders placed 16 October - 15 December 2024
You can expect your order within 10 business days
UK orders over £50
Free shipping
UK orders under £50
£4.99
Northern Ireland orders under £50
£5.99
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Description
Primula vialii is no ordinary primrose—it’s a showstopper with a quirky twist. Also known as Vial’s primrose or orchid primrose, this striking perennial stands out with its distinctive two-tone flower spikes. The blooms emerge from deep red buds, which sit like a flame at the tip of each spire before opening into soft violet, star-like flowers. This eye-catching contrast gives Primula vialii an almost otherworldly charm, making it a must-have for gardeners looking to add an element of surprise to their planting schemes. Preferring damp, humus-rich soil, it thrives in bog gardens, near ponds, or in shady borders, where it brings an elegant yet playful touch.
Beyond its unique appearance, Primula vialii is also delightfully easy to grow. Once established, it returns year after year, forming clumps of fresh green foliage beneath its colourful flower spikes. The slender blooms not only add vertical interest but also attract bees and other pollinators, making it a welcome addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. Whether planted in groups for a naturalistic display or used as a striking accent among ferns and hostas, Primula vialii guarantees a vibrant midsummer spectacle. With its unusual structure and effortless charm, this variety proves that primroses are anything but ordinary.
Our Primula vialli plants are supplied as a root ball with healthy growth, ensuring a strong start. They are carefully shipped in our unique cardboard box, designed to keep them safe and in top condition. This ensures they arrive healthy and ready to thrive in their new home.
Primroses were once believed to grant fairy folk safe passage through gardens and even bring good luck to homes.
Key features
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Comes back every year
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Loved by pollinators
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Low maintenance
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RHS Award (AGM)
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Drought tolerant
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Fully hardy
Specs & details
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Botanical name
Primula vialii (So)
syn. Primula littoniana -
Flower colour
Violet, red
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Plant size
1
-
Established height
30-50cm
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Established spread
20-50cm
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Plant spacing
9 plants per m2
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Leaf colour
Green
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Habit
Upright
Clump-forming -
Life cycle
Perennial
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Hardiness
Fully hardy
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Years to establish
2-3 years
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Sunlight
Partial shade
Dappled shade -
Position
Sheltered
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Suitable for
Large containers
Borders
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens -
Soil acidity
Any
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Soil moisture
Damp
Free draining -
Soil type
Loam
Clay
Loam-based compost -
Growing skill
Easy to grow
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Scented
No
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Pollinator-friendly
Yes
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Mouse resistant
No
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Rabbit resistant
Yes
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Deer resistant
Yes
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Toxicity
No report
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
- Planting
- Flowering
Useful information
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Soak your Primula vialii roots in water for 3-6 hours prior to planting.
Plant your "Vial's primrose" bare roots into temporary pots with a multipurpose compost in spring and grow-on in a sheltered spot outdoors.
Choose a pot which comfortably fits the bare roots. Some have a noticeable crown which should be just below the soil surface with any top growth exposed.
Plant out into borders or permanent containers in late spring or early summer once in full growth. Choose a position in sun or shade depending on the variety.
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Orders placed before 1 September 2025
You can expect your order in September 2025Orders placed 1 September - 15 October 2025
You can expect your order in October 2025Orders placed 16 October - 15 December 2025
You can expect your order within 10 business days
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