Margined primrose Primula marginata
Margined primrose (Primula marginata) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Primulaceae family, native to Limestone crevices of the south-western Alps (Maritime and Cottian Alps, France and Italy). It grows 8–15 cm (3–6 in) tall and 15–25 cm (6–10 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -28 °C (-18 °F). Space plants about 15 cm (6 in) apart.
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Margined primrose at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Primulaceae |
| Mature height | 8–15 cm (3–6 in) |
| Mature spread | 15–25 cm (6–10 in) |
| Spacing | 15 cm (6 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -28 °C (-18 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Limestone crevices of the south-western Alps (Maritime and Cottian Alps, France and Italy) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇫🇷 France, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Margined primrose 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 Margined primrose
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Margined primrose
- How far apart should I plant Margined primrose?
- About 15 cm (6 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–25 cm (6–10 in).
- Does Margined primrose need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Margined primrose need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Margined primrose?
- It tolerates about -28 °C (-18 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Margined primrose flower?
- From about April for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Margined primrose 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 Margined primrose?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Margined primrose. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Alpine Garden Society Encyclopaedia of Alpines and plant portraits, Alpine Garden Society, Pershore (UK)
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A rock-garden plant: give it gritty, very free-draining soil, full light and a collar of gravel around the neck; winter wet kills it far more often than cold.
- Toothed, grey-green leaves edged with silvery-white meal (farina) and clusters of fragrant lavender-blue primrose flowers in spring, on woody stems that creep over rock. Easy in a trough or wall crevice.
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