Parry's primrose
Primula parryi
Family: Primulaceae
What it is like
Primula parryi is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Damp shady rocky mountain habitats, in cliff crevices and often by alpine streams.
Western N. America - Montana to New Mexico, west to Nevada and Idaho.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The flowers contain anthocyanins. These chemicals are the colouring material of many flowers and they can be used as a litmus, turning red when in an acid medium, changing to purple and blue as the medium becomes alkaline.
Litmus: Used for testing whether a substance is acid or alkaline.
How it is grown
Prefers a deep moist but well-drained humus-rich soil in full or part shade. Plants are often long-lived in cultivation. Plants emit a strong odour that is said to resemble carrion.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Sow stored seed in early spring in a cold frame. Germination is inhibited by temperatures above 20°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in autumn. This is best done every other year.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade
Moisture: Moist