Primula Denticulata Culture

Where to Plant

• Drumstick primrose comes from the cool, moist woodlands of eastern Afghanistan and northern Pakistan, across the Himalayas into China. It grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 9. A spot with partial or dappled shade is best, though in cooler climates, full sun is OK as long as the soil is kept moist. Drumstick primrose works well when planted next to a pond or stream, or under the shade of larger evergreen woodland perennials.

Soil

• Drumstick primrose tolerates a range of soils as long as they are moist, though a rich, well-draining soil with a neutral to acidic pH is preferable. Water frequently throughout the growing season to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged or flooded. Drumstick primrose will quickly die if allowed to dry out in the summer. Apply a generous layer of organic mulch over the root zone to help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds.

Problems

• Drumstick primrose is usually disease-free, though it may fall prey to common primrose rot diseases such as rhizoctonia crown rot and phytophthora and thielaviopsis root rot. The Penn State Extension recommends discarding plants infected by rot. Rot can be prevented by planting primroses in well-draining, sterile soil mix in areas with adequate air circulation. If blight occurs, causing gray spots and growth primarily on lower leaves, remove and destroy infected leaves. Drumstick primrose contains quinoid compounds that can cause allergies in some people, notes Kew Royal Botanic Gardens.

Features

• Drumstick primrose is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that will often survive with little attention. If you're growing the plant as a perennial, reapply mulch in the winter to keep the roots warm. Drumstick primrose can be propagated by division, done in the summer or fall. The seeds can be difficult to start indoors, as they require consistent temperatures between 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Outdoors, sow seeds in spring or fall in their permanent location. Root cuttings may also be taken from dormant winter plants.