''Primula malacoides'', called the fairy primrose or baby primrose, is a

perennial A perennial plant or simply perennial is a plant that lives more than two years. The term ('' per-'' + '' -ennial'', "through the years") is often used to differentiate a plant from shorter-lived annuals and biennials. The term is also wide ...

species of ''

Primula ''Primula'' () is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the family Primulaceae. They include the primrose ('' P. vulgaris''), a familiar wildflower of banks and verges. Other common species are '' P. auricula'' (auricula), '' P. veris'' (cow ...

'' native to the Himalayas, Assam in India, Myanmar, and south-central and south east China. It has gained the

Royal Horticultural Society The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), founded in 1804 as the Horticultural Society of London, is the UK's leading gardening charity. The RHS promotes horticulture through its five gardens at Wisley (Surrey), Hyde Hall (Essex), Harlow Carr (Nort ...

Award of Garden Merit The Award of Garden Merit (AGM) is a long-established annual award for plants by the British Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). It is based on assessment of the plants' performance under UK growing conditions. History The Award of Garden Merit ...

Description

This plant usually has purple flowers, although some may have red, white or bright-pink flowers. Their hairy leaves measure at 4-8cm and are a pale-green colour. They usually grow to 30cm across and 20-40cm tall.

History

This species was considered a weed as it would grow on the rice fields of Chinese farmers. This plant was cultivated from a seed by George Forrest in 1908. This species started gain popularity among commercial growers in England. Within a decade, a new strain which was colourful and fragrant was sold commercially in greenhouses in the USA and throughout Europe.

Cultivation

This plant can be propagated by seed or by division in late summer. This species is a popular ornamental place and can be used as a

houseplant A houseplant, sometimes known as a pot plant, potted plant, or an indoor plant, is an ornamental plant that is grown indoors. As such, they are found in places like residences and offices, mainly for decorative purposes. Common houseplants are us ...

or as a greenhouse plant. It should be grown in fertile, well-drained soil with regular waterings.

Pests and disease

This plant is prone to infestation by

aphids Aphids are small sap-sucking insects and members of the superfamily Aphidoidea. Common names include greenfly and blackfly, although individuals within a species can vary widely in color. The group includes the fluffy white woolly aphids. A t ...

. Signs of infestation may include: honeydew secretion,

galls Galls (from the Latin , 'oak-apple') or ''cecidia'' (from the Greek , anything gushing out) are a kind of swelling growth on the external tissues of plants, fungi, or animals. Plant galls are abnormal outgrowths of plant tissues, similar to be ...

, and distortion of leaves.

Toxicity

The leaves may cause irritation. It is advised to wear gloves when handling this plant. This species may also have

allergenic An allergen is a type of antigen that produces an abnormally vigorous immune response in which the immune system fights off a perceived threat that would otherwise be harmless to the body. Such reactions are called Allergy, allergies. In techni ...

properties with symptoms including rashes and headaches.

References