Primula vialii

Japanese name: プリムラ ビアリー
Scientific name: Primula vialii

[Overview]
A perennial that, in its native range, grows in moist grasslands and along valleys at elevations of 2,800–4,000 m.
It dislikes heat and humidity, so in Japan it is mainly treated as an annual sown in autumn.
The leaves are simple, basal, oblong, 10–30 cm long and 2–4 cm wide.
The leaf surface is much wrinkled, and the margin has shallow teeth.
At the tip of a flower stalk 20–45 cm tall, a conical raceme 2–5 cm long bears many densely set flowers, which open from the bottom of the raceme upward.
The corolla is star-shaped with 5 lobes; the buds are deep crimson and the opened flowers are bright pinkish purple, making a pleasing contrast.
The fruit is a capsule.

[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed.
It prefers fertile soil that is well drained and retains water.
Keep it in full sun from sprouting to flowering; after flowering, place it in cool, airy partial shade so that it is not weakened by heat, or, if planted in the ground, plant it under a deciduous tree.
During the growing period, water thoroughly when the soil surface begins to dry; in winter dormancy and in summer, keep it somewhat on the dry side, taking care that it does not dry out too much.
Apply slow-release fertilizer rich in phosphorus and potassium as a base fertilizer, and apply diluted liquid fertilizer once every 2 weeks to 1 month during the flowering period.
If you are not collecting seed, cut off the flowers together with their stalks once they finish so that the plant does not become exhausted.
Pests and diseases include armyworms, slugs and nematodes.

View this page in Japanese (日本語)