Primula denticulata

Sm.

Drumstick primula, Himalayan primrose

Primulaceae Edible: Flowers Potential hazards — see below 1,105 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Primula denticulata, the drumstick primula, is a species of flowering plant in the family Primulaceae, native to moist alpine regions of China (S Xizang), Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, N Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. It is an herbaceous perennial growing to 45 cm (18 in) tall and wide, with rosettes of oval leaves and sturdy stems bearing spherical umbels of purple flowers in late spring and early summer. Flowers can also be lavender, pink, or white in colour. The specific epithet denticulata means "small-toothed", referring to the serrated leaf edges. The plant's common name, drumstick primula, refers to the spherical shape of the inflorescence, above an erect stem. A popular garden subject for deep moist soil in sun or partial shade, P. denticulata and its cultivars can be grown from seed. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Description

A herb. It grows 20-30 cm high and spreads 25-45 cm wide. It is covered with white hairs that brush off. The flower buds are round and at ground level. These stretch to 23-30 cm on sturdy short stems. The flowers are round and open in a range of colours. They can be lilac, red or purple.

Edible Uses

The flowers are eaten raw and make an attractive addition to salads.

Traditional Uses

The flowers are eaten in salads.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Known Hazards

Primula denticulata is known to contain the contact allergens primin and other quinoid compounds.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It grows well beside water. In Pakistan it grows between 1,300-4,300 m altitude. It grows near melting snow. It Tibet it grows in open forests and grassland between 1,500-4,100 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.

Where It Grows

Afghanistan, Asia, Australia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pakistan, SE Asia, Sikkim, Slovenia, Tasmania, Tibet,

Cultivation

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

Propagation

Best sown as soon as ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed can be sown in early spring in a cold frame. Once large enough to handle, prick seedlings out into individual pots and grow on in a greenhouse through their first winter, then plant out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Propagation is also possible from root cuttings.

Other Uses

Plants can be used as ground cover, spaced approximately 35cm apart in each direction.

Notes

There are about 410 Primula species.

Synonyms

Primula adenophora BlatterPrimula aequalis CraibPrimula cachemeriana MunroPrimula harsukhii CraibPrimula paucifolia (Hook.f.) Watt ex CraibPrimula platycrana Craib

Also Known As

Obloglavi jeglič

References (7)

Ambasta, S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 491
Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 1080
Exot. bot. 2:109, t. 114. 1805
Flora of Pakistan. www.eFloras.org
Hibbert, M., 2002, The Aussie Plant Finder 2002, Florilegium. p 239

Show all 7 references