Practical
Plants

Primula denticulata

Drumstick Primula

a perennial member of the Primula genus in the family Primulaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Genus
Primula
Life cycle
perennial
Height
0.3 m
Spread
0.2 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Flowers - raw[2][5]. They make a very attractive addition to salads[6].

Plant part
Flowers

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Plants can be grown as a ground cover, they are best spaced about 35cm apart each way[9].

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Soil surface

Ground cover

Environment

Range
E. Asia - Himalayas.
Habitat
Shrubberies and open slopes in moist situations, often along drains, 1500 - 4500 metres[11][4].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
high
Hardiness
Zone 5+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay, heavy clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[3]. Sow stored seed in early spring in a cold frame[1]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Root cuttings[8].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Easily grown in any moist soil in sun or part shade[7][8]. Prefers a damp position[3][8]. Grows well in heavy clay soils[9]. Dislikes very light or dry soils[1]. Grows well in the shade of a north-facing wall[9]. Plants are hardy to about -25°c[7]. A very ornamental plant, there are many named varieties[7]. It can be grown in a wild garden, rock garden or the flower border[1].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  2. Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976-00-00

    ↩

  3. Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 1. Thompson and Morgan. 1987-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  4. Singh. Dr. G. and Kachroo. Prof. Dr. P. Forest Flora of Srinagar. Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh 1976-00-00

    ↩

  5. Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169

    ↩

  6. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

    ↩

  7. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30936-9

    ↩1↩2↩3

  8. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3

  9. Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-460-12609-1

    ↩1↩2↩3

  10. Flora of China 1994-00-00 http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/

  11. Polunin. O. and Stainton. A. Flowers of the Himalayas. Oxford Universtiy Press 1984-00-00

    ↩

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