Sierra Primrose
Primula suffrutescens
- Native to:
- United States
Patrick Alexander (www.flickr.com) from Las Cruces, NM
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Primulaceae
- Genus:
- Primula
- Species:
- Primula suffrutescens
- USDA Symbol:
- PRSU
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Subshrub
- Height:
- 15 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, rose, magenta
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, well-drained rocky soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- native to alpine and subalpine regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–60 days
- Notes:
- Requires light for germination; sow on surface. Cold stratification improves germination rates.
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.
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