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perennial

Japanese Primrose

Primula kisoana

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Japanese Primrose (Primula kisoana) at Ellis Home & Garden

Japanese Primrose flowers

Japanese Primrose flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Plant Height:  4 inches

Flower Height:  8 inches

Spacing:  5 inches

Sunlight:  partial shade  full shade 

Hardiness Zone:  4

Other Names:  Cowslip, Polyanthus

Ornamental Features

Japanese Primrose features delicate panicles of pink star-shaped flowers with crimson eyes at the ends of the stems in early spring. Its small serrated round leaves remain green in color throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Japanese Primrose is an herbaceous perennial with tall flower stalks held atop a low mound of foliage. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Japanese Primrose is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • Rock/Alpine Gardens
  • Border Edging
  • General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Japanese Primrose will grow to be only 4 inches tall at maturity extending to 8 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 6 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 5 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in partial shade to full shade. Keep it well away from hot, dry locations that receive direct afternoon sun or which get reflected sunlight, such as against the south side of a white wall. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider covering it with a thick layer of mulch in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This species is not originally from North America.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Rock  Edging  Garden 
Applications
Flowers  Texture 
Ornamental Features