Primula involucrata
Family: Primulaceae
What it is like
Primula involucrata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. 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 can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist or wet soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Grows in abundance in moist meadows flushed with melt water from snow and glaciers, 4,000 - 5,000 metres.
E. Asia - Himalayas from Pakistan to S. W. China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The entire plant is used in Tibetan medicine, it is said to have a sweet and bitter taste and a cooling potency. Antidysenteric, anti-inflammatory and febrifuge, it is used in the treatment of contagious diseases and dysentery.
Dysentery: Used in treating dysentery - an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhoea containing blood or mucus.
Other
Rating:
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Prefers a moist position in partial shade, such as along the edge of a stream or in a woodland garden. In such a position the plant is usually long-lived. If conditions are too dry the plant may become dormant by late summer. Grows well in heavy clay soils. The flowers have a delicious sweet honey perfume.
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; Bog Garden;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade
Moisture: Moist, wet