Northern Primrose

Primula borealis

Native to:
Canada, Russia, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Primulaceae
Genus:
Primula
Species:
Primula borealis
USDA Symbol:
PRBO

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
20 cm
Light Requirements:
Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul
Bloom Colors:
pink, lavender, white

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
moist, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
good drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers cool, shaded environments

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
Germination Time:
14–42 days
Notes:
Requires light for germination; surface sow and do not cover seed. Cool temperatures preferred.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.

Notes: Seeds require light for germination; do not cover.

Source: Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Expose to fluctuation outdoor winter temperatures including freezing for 3 months. Gradually increase light and temperature in the spring. * most interbreed and seed may not be what is labelled, germinate best in cool, moist conditions; for sturdy seedlings grow outdoors in spring, prick out

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society