Drumstick primula Primula denticulata
Drumstick primula (Primula denticulata) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Primulaceae family, native to Himalaya from Afghanistan to south-west China and Myanmar. It grows 25–45 cm (10–18 in) tall and 20–30 cm (8–12 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 25 cm (10 in) apart.
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Drumstick primula at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Primulaceae |
| Mature height | 25–45 cm (10–18 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–30 cm (8–12 in) |
| Spacing | 25 cm (10 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Himalaya from Afghanistan to south-west China and Myanmar |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇮🇳 India |
Is Drumstick primula toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves
Some primulas irritate the skin of sensitive people; eating them may cause mild stomach upset in pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Drumstick primula
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
Questions about Drumstick primula
- How far apart should I plant Drumstick primula?
- About 25 cm (10 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–30 cm (8–12 in).
- Does Drumstick primula need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Drumstick primula need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Drumstick primula?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Drumstick primula flower?
- From about March for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Drumstick primula poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Some primulas irritate the skin of sensitive people; eating them may cause mild stomach upset in pets.
- What grows well with Drumstick primula?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Drumstick primula. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Flora of Nepal (online flora and checklist), Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh with Nepalese and international partners
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A plant of the cool, misty Himalayan and west Chinese mountains: it wants moist, humus-rich soil and shelter from hot sun and drying wind, and sulks in hot, humid summers.
- Perfectly round heads of lilac, purple, pink or white flowers on stout stems in early spring, as the leaves unfold. Easy in damp soil that does not dry out in summer.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Primrose Primula vulgaris
- Ivy-leaved cyclamen Cyclamen hederifolium
- Creeping Jenny Lysimachia nummularia
- Auricula Primula auricula
- Cowslip Primula veris
- Giant Himalayan cowslip Primula florindae
- Florist’s cyclamen Cyclamen persicum
- Coral ardisia (manryō) Ardisia crenata