A truely spectacular species, Primula vialii with its two tone red and purple flowers is sometimes called the Chinese Pagoda Primrose.
It grows well both in the garden and in containers however it does need a proceeded position from the hot sun and moisture through the growing season.
It is almost extinct in its natural habitat and it is only early plant hunters that have recorded it in the wild. It was first discovered by westeners by the missionary and botanist Père Jean Marie Delavay and is named after Père Paul Vial, also a French missionary who was a good friend.
Delvay himself has a number of plants that reference his contribution including Magnolia delavayi and Paeonia delavayi amongst others.
It is a primrose that has a long dormancy, it only stays above ground for 2 – 3 months and then disappears until the next summer. Over the winter months the soil should be allowed to dry a little.
How to Grow Primula vialii – Basic Care
This is a primrose that naturally grows in wet grasslands in South West China, Sichuan and Yunnan. It prefers part shade to dappled shade and may be best suited to a bog garden.
Its natural climate has cold dry winters and warm wet summers so this is what the gardener must mimic.
If you can provide a humus rich moist yet well drained soil and a cooler position in the garden, then this is a standout plant.
- Plant in a well drained humus rich soil.
- Prepare the soil well by digging in some extra compost and aged cow manure
- Plant and water in with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
- Mulch around the plant with sugar cane mulch or similar.
- Keep moist through the growing season.
Each winter, top dress around the plant with aged cow or sheep manure and renew the mulch. You can liquid fertilise with an organic type solution in spring and again in early summer.
Growing Primula Vialli in Containers.
When growing in containers you are generally trying to create a sort of bog garden for P. vialli.
Use a trough that holds water and individual pots for the plants.
- Plant your P. vialli in pots.
- Sit the pots in the water with the water level 1/3 to 1/2 way up the pot.
- Use a seaweed fertiliser once every two weeks.
- Change the water every 3 weeks.
- When the plants die back and winter comes around, remove the pots from the water and keep them in a shaded position that does not recieve a lot of rain until mid/late spring.
- As new shoots appear, place the pots back in the trough.
- Commence fertilising again.
Top Tips
- Wet when in growth.
- Dryish when dormant
- Light shade (depends on climate)
Pruning Primula vialii
Generally not required other than a tidy up of spent flower heads if desired. Clean up the old foliage as it does back into winter.
Winter to early spring is the time to dig and divide these plants if desired.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Primula vialii
- Common Names – Chinese Pagoda Primrose, Orchid primula, Vial’s Primrose, Red Hot Poker primrose.
- Family – Primulaceae
- Plant Height – To around .3metres
- Plant Spread – Will form a clump over time.
- Position – Dapped shade, morning sun.
- Soil – Well drained humus rich with some moisture.
- Flowers – Two toned red and purple.
- Flowering time – Spring to summer.
- Foliage – Mid green
- Frost tolerant – Yes.
- Drought tolerant – No.
Primula vialii is available for sale from the following nurseries
'Sylvan Vale' 375 Olinda Creek Rd, Kalorama, VIC.3766
Including a large range of Rare and unusual bulbs, corms and perennials
www.tonkinsbulbs.com.au
