Primula japonica are herbaceous or semi-evergreen perennials, forming a basal rosette of simple leaves, with salver-shaped or bell-shaped flowers which are carried in an umbel or in whorls on an erect stem.

Candelabra section primulas are moisture-loving herbaceous perennials forming a rosette of basal leaves, with erect stems each carrying several whorls of salver-shaped flowers.

The sight of the Primula japonica in full flower is guaranteed to gladden the heart in late spring, the stems being covered in magenta-red flowers from April onwards: a plant of great beauty and colour.

Awarded the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Sowing:
Sow seeds in summer to autumn or late winter to late spring.
Primula seeds need a period of cold and damp to enable them to germinate. Sow from June onwards on a surface of seed compost, cover with grit and keep in a shaded cold-frame or cool glasshouse.
Sow seed 2.5cm (1”) apart in trays or cells containing seed compost. Sow the seeds on the surface of the compost, (Do not cover - they need light to germinate) and place in a light position at a regular temperature of around 16°C (60°F) Germination should take place between 21 and 40 days.

Primula seeds can also be sown during warmer times of the year, but it would be necessary to artificially simulate “winter” using the following method of “stratification”:
Place the seeds between two pieces of damp filter paper or folded kitchen roll then put into a polythene bag and place this into the fridge at 4°C (39°F) which is the temperature that most fridges are set at. Inspect the seeds after two weeks and remove as the seedlings appear, returning the ungerminated seeds to the fridge.

Germination can be erratic, although most should germinate in 4-5 weeks, it is not unknown for seeds still to be germinating up to two years after sowing. Remove the seedlings and place the pot in a shaded corner of the garden….just in case!

Cultivation:
When seedlings have their first pair of true leaves and are large enough to handle, transplant into 7.5cm (3in) pots containing peaty compost. Grow on then gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out. Plant them in a humus-rich, moisture retentive soil and in partial shade.

Aftercare:
The important factor with this and most other primulas is that the roots should not dry out, so incorporate plenty of organic matter when you plant, mulch well in autumn and spring and water regularly if they are in the open.
Cut back after flowering. Once established, they benefit from being lifted and divided every two years in early spring.

Plant Uses:
Shade and Woodland Gardens. Underplanting of trees. Native and Natural planting schemes.