Moonlight primrose (Primula alpicola)

Moonlight primrose

Also known as: Marsh primrose

Moonlight primrose is a popular and award-winning ornamental plant grown for its attractive and delightfully fragrant white, yellow, or purple flowers. This plant grows in moist habitats in the wild so it thrives when planted close to ponds or in bog gardens. This plant is exceedingly rare in the wild, being found in only one river valley at a high altitude.

Scientific classification

Species

Moonlight primrose (Primula alpicola)

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Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Green

Leaf Color

White, Yellow, Purple

Flower Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Moonlight primrose

Distribution of Moonlight primrose

Distribution Map

The plant moonlight primrose, with a native range in the montane regions of the Himalayas in Asia, has been successfully cultivated beyond its natural habitat. It thrives in alpine and subalpine zones and is a popular choice for ornamental cultivation in temperate zones worldwide, where conditions mimic its native climate.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Care Guide for Moonlight primrose

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Moonlight primrose thrives in moist, alpine regions, requiring high humidity and consistently damp soil. It is resilient to cooler climates but needs weekly watering for optimal hydration. Typically grown outdoors, moonlight primrose relies on rainfall patterns for growth and blooming across various climate zones.

Fertilize: For optimal health, moonlight primrose prefers a balanced, high-phosphorus fertilizer, particularly promoting blooms. Feed monthly, half-strength, from spring to fall, and cease in winter. Young moonlight primrose benefit most from regular feeding. Always water after fertilization to aid nutrient absorption and prevent root burn.

Pruning: Moonlight primrose features fragrant, nodding flowers. Prune in early to late spring post-bloom to remove dead foliage and spent stems, promoting growth and air circulation. This practice reduces pest issues while preparing the plant for its next bloom cycle.

Propagation: Moonlight primrose, a hardy perennial from high altitudes, produces beautiful whorls of fragrant flowers. Successful propagation involves careful division of clumps to maintain root integrity, and root cuttings can also be utilized, requiring precise timing and care for effective growth.

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