Look what I spotted yesterday …does this look like the typical spring primrose? I didn’t think so either. I kinda have the attitude “seen one primrose, seen ’em all,” but then I spotted this cool dude sitting on a shelf banging its head about every so often as the breeze changed direction. It reminded me of an Allium but it wasn’t as tall and stiff. This guy had some groove and was a beautiful shade of light periwinkle blue/purple. I took a closer look and to my surprise found his name to be Drumstick Primrose, (Primula denticulata).
What a fitting name I thought. After closer examination and a little research this is what I learned:
Drumstick Primrose is very easy to grow. He is a native of China, Nepal and Tibet so he likes the cold (down to -50F). He offers a good range of color in shades of violet, blue, purple, pink, and white and doesn’t care much about soil type (acid or alkaline). What he does care about is being cool and staying hydrated meaning he prefers some light shade and moist/damp soil. He is a spring bloomer that lasts quite a long time – a month or so and can serve as a cut flower too.
Drumstick Primrose comes back every year for a few years, maybe longer if divided. Apparently he is a little difficult to locate, so if you happen to find him try him. I am!
Drumstick Primula Stats:
Zone: USDA 2 – 9
Bloom Time: Spring, for about a month
Light: shade
Height: 12 in
Growth Habit: Upright
Water: weekly during dry spells
Feed: A heavy feeder so benefits from nutrient rich, amended soil
igardendaily 
Glad you found my blog again and I’m glad I found yours.
Where did you find this lovely primrose? Very appropriately named, too.
Hello! Good to hear from you! I found it at Far West Garden Center on State St. I thought the same about the name!
I really like the look of the Drumstick Primrose. I will definitely have to try it. I just purchased a flat of primroses and will put them in the ground today. They do love cold weather and are pretty consistent about coming back every year. They are a great Spring flower for me in my area that stays quite cold up until sometime in May, (zone 4-5) and they “so” brighten up a shady spot that looks quite dismal after a long cold winter. So, I guess the “drumstick” will be on my shopping list.