Primula malacoides

Primula malacoides, called the fairy primrose or baby primrose, is a perennial species of Primula native to the Himalayas, Assam in India, Myanmar, and south-central and south east China.[2] It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[3]

Primula malacoides
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Primulaceae
Genus: Primula
Species:
P. malacoides
Binomial name
Primula malacoides
Synonyms[2]
  • Auganthus malacoides (Franch.) Soják
  • Primula delicata Petitm.

Description

This plant usually has purple flowers, although some may have red, white or bright-pink flowers.[4]

Their hairy leaves measure at 4-8cm and are a pale-green colour. They usually grow to 30cm across and 20-40cm tall.[4]

History

This species was considered a weed as it would grow on the rice fields of Chinese farmers. This plant was cultivated from a seed by George Forrest in 1908. This species started gain popularity among commercial growers in England. Within a decade, a new strain which was colourful and fragrant was sold commercially in greenhouses in the USA and throughout Europe.[5]

Cultivation

This plant can be propagated by seed or by division in late summer.[4][6]

This species is a popular ornamental place and can be used as a houseplant or as a greenhouse plant.[4]

It should be grown in fertile, well-drained soil with regular waterings.[4][6]

Pests and disease

This plant is prone to infestation by aphids. Signs of infestation may include: honeydew secretion, galls, and distortion of leaves.[4]

Toxicity

The leaves may cause irritation. It is advised to wear gloves when handling this plant.[4]

This species may also have allergenic properties with symptoms including rashes and headaches.[6][5]

See also

References
  1. Bull. Soc. Bot. France 33: 64 (1886)
  2. "Primula malacoides Franch". Plants of the World Online. Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 2017. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
  3. "Primula malacoides (Mo) fairy primrose". The Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
  4. "Plants & Flowers » Primula malacoides". Retrieved 2020-10-24.
  5. Mattus, Matt (2010-02-01). "A weed by any other name, Primula malacoides". Retrieved 2020-10-25.
  6. "Primula malacoides". www.barnhaven.com. Retrieved 2020-10-25.
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