Culture
Best grown in organically rich, consistently moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Plants do well in full sun conditions in cool northern summer climates. However, in the St. Louis area, they prefer some afternoon part shade with uniformly moist soils. Soils may be kept somewhat drier in the summer, but should never be allowed to dry out. Plants are generally intolerant of the summer heat and humidity of the deep South. Plants appreciate a spring-summer mulch that will help maintain soil moisture and keep roots cool. Plant foliage may depreciate considerably in the heat of the summer. Propagate by division in spring after bloom.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Primula × pubescens features bright, 5-lobed, spring flowers on compact plants typically growing to no more than 8” tall. Flowers were originally described as rosy-crimson with a white eye, but now include varieties with a large number of additional colors including yellow, pink, red, purple and white. Flowers appear in clusters (umbels) atop stems rising from a basal rosette of leathery, oblong to spoon-shaped, medium green leaves (to 4” long). The parents of these hybrids are P. auricula and P. hirsuta (P. rubra). Primula × pubescens features bright, 5-lobed, spring flowers on compact plants typically growing to no more than 8” tall. Flowers were originally described as rosy-crimson with a white eye, but now include varieties with a large number of additional colors including yellow, pink, red, purple and white. Flowers appear in clusters (umbels) atop stems rising from a basal rosette of leathery, oblong to spoon-shaped, medium green leaves (to 4” long). The parents of these hybrids are P. auricula and P. hirsuta (P. rubra).
The genus name Primula means "little earliest one" and is the feminine diminutive of the Latin primus.
Specific epithet means downy.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Slugs, snails, aphids and red spider mites are sometimes seen. Botrytis, root rot, rust and leaf spots may occur.
Uses
Brightly attractive harbinger of spring that grows well in part shade locations including border fronts, rock gardens, and open woodland gardens. May be an effective edger. Also may be grown in pots.