Primula denticulata Prom Lilac - Primrose

The 'Prom Lilac' Compound Primula denticulata is a lovely variety of Himalayan primrose that makes a big impact in spring, when it produces robust stems of beautiful lilac flowers with yellow eyes. This young plant is also characterized by a lush rosette of villous basal leaves that expands over time. It can be grown in a pot, in a cool rockery or at the edge of a border, and its flowers are perfect for cutting. Provide it with a semi-shaded exposure as well as a humus-rich and moist soil.

The 'Prom Lilac' Primula belongs to the primrose family, like all primroses. Its ancestor is a perennial plant native to the forests and meadows of the Himalayas, Tibet, and Nepal. The flowering of this variety takes place from March to May: several thick and sturdy flower stalks, 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12in) in height, emerge from the basal foliage. Each one carries a spherical inflorescence with a diameter of 5-6 cm (2in), composed of numerous small flowers packed tightly together. Their pastel colour is intermediate between mauve and pink, each one being enhanced by a small yellow eye in the throat. The foliage is a dense rosette of elongated ovate and spatulate leaves, 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10in) long, with dentate edges, which reaches its full size after flowering. These leaves are green with a white underside. They are deciduous and therefore disappear in winter.

The 'Prom Lilac' Dentate Primula has excellent hardiness. This plant, which disappears in autumn, is suitable for cool rockeries, borders, flower beds, or even in semi-natural environments. It can be combined with many spring bulbs (tulips, daffodils, hyacinths etc.), astilbes, hostas, pansies, violets, or small ferns. It is also a very good cut flower, very decorative. Be careful of the presence of primine, which can cause allergic reactions in certain sensitive individuals.