Primula macrophylla
Family: Primulaceae
What it is like
Primula macrophylla 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 6. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). 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 cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Grassy mountain slopes, rock crevices, wet meadows and marshes at elevations of 4000 - 5200 metres..
E. Asia - Himalayas from Afghanistan to 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 bitter taste and a cooling potency. Antidiarrhetic, anti-inflammatory and febrifuge, it is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, inflammation of the liver, gall bladder, stomach and intestines. It is especially used for children with high fever and diarrhoea.
Antiinflammatory: Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
A plant of high alpine areas, it is of difficult cultivation in Britain. In the wild it experiences wet summers, relatively dry autumns and long winters under a blanket of snow that protects the bulb-like resting bud. It is best to give the plants a deep, well-drained soil in a sunny position with the added protection of a pane of glass.
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: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist