A pale spring plant
White primulas bring a clean, fresh look to a shady courtyard or a winter windowsill. They flower in the cooler months, usually from late winter into spring, so they suit gardeners in Victoria, Tasmania, the ACT and the highlands best. In Sydney, Perth or Adelaide, plant them in autumn and enjoy a season of flowers. In subtropical areas, the plants struggle once the humid heat sets in.
What the white looks like
Garden primulas descend from wild species, and white forms are often tinged with cream and carry a yellow eye. The plants form a low clump of wrinkled leaves about 10 to 25 cm high. Because the blooms are small, they look best massed in a bowl or along a path edge rather than used singly.
Care that works
- Keep the soil evenly damp but never soggy.
- Avoid afternoon sun, which scorches the leaves and fades white petals.
- Feed lightly with a liquid fertiliser during flowering.
- Remove dead flowers and old leaves to stop grey mould.
Potted plants kept indoors usually do better near a cool, bright window than beside a heater.
Contact and pets
Primula obconica carries primin, an allergen that can cause contact dermatitis in some people, so wash hands after handling it. For animals, the ASPCA classes primrose, Primula vulgaris, as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, producing mild vomiting. Your vet can advise if a pet has eaten any.
White primulas show marks quickly, so remove browning petals and old leaves promptly to keep the clump looking clean.
