The unseasonably dry spring has not subdued the display from the candelabra and farinose Primula species. Primula sikkimensis is a strong growing perennial with a rigid straight stem holding a mass of buttercup yellow flowers in an umbel. A covering of white farina extends up the flower stalk and covers the immature flower head. A native to Western China and the Himalayas where it is found growing in wet grassland and at the sides of streams and rivers at around 3200 – 4400metres altitude. Easily grown in the garden here, where soil should be moist and some shade provided.

Primula sikkimensis

Primula sikkimensis

Primula sikkimensis

Primula sikkimensis