Primula japonica 'MILLER'S CRIMSON'

Japanese primrose was introduced to Europe and The British Isled around late 19th century. It is a herbaceous perennial which quickly became a popular plant and naturalized in British woodlands mainly thanks to ideal growing conditions: evenly moist weather and soil almost all year round.

Miller's Crimson is one of the top varieties of Japanese primrose which received RHS's Award of Garden Merit. It makes 30-50 cm tall bare stems with an umbel of rich crimson red flowers from early May until June (so-called Candelabra type). Their colour is rich like royal velvet and beautifully contrasts with lush, large, light green foliage. The leaves are broadly lanceolate or obovate and have serrated margins. Cutting back flowered stems immediately after flowering brings another blooming on shorter stems in autumn but prevents from self-seeding which is ideal for natural multiplication.

Japanese primrose is found in poorly drained, humus-rich soils of acidic to neutral pH, in shaded woodlands at river banks and on boggy locations. In your garden you have to imitate such conditions if you are looking for a profusely flowering and healthy plant. It can grow in full sun only if the soil is constantly moist or even wet. It is short-lived and is supposed to self-seed, or you can re-plant it every 2-3 years for rejuvenation. It is hardy to about -34°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 02-01-2015