How big does Drumstick primula grow?

About 30 cm × 30 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 25–45 cm × 25–45 cm.

What soil does Drumstick primula grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay.

Is Drumstick primula hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Drumstick primula flower?

Flowering: March–May, purple, pink, white.

How much water does Drumstick primula need?

Water need: high. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Drumstick primula cost?

It sells for roughly €2.90 to €3.90 in local shops, depending on size.

Drumstick primula

Primula denticulata

Drumstick primula (Primula denticulata) is a perennial that reaches 30 cm × 30 cm after ten years. Light: part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €2.90.

Illustration of Drumstick primula — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

An early spring perennial that carries lilac, white or ruby flower globes on stout stems from March to April, before the leaves are fully grown. Plant it in part shade in humus-rich, evenly moist soil; it also does well beside a pond or stream. It is short-lived in dry soil and hot sun and needs regular watering in summer.

Watch out for

Vine weevil grubs eat the roots and the plant then wilts suddenly. Slugs, aphids and spider mites can also damage it. In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe it suffers from heat and disappears within a few years in dry soil, so it needs a shadier, moist spot and is worth renewing by division every few years.

Key facts

Light: Part shade
Water need: High
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 30 cm × 30 cm
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D March–May, purple, pink, white

Group	Perennial
Light	Part shade
Size after 10 years	30 cm × 30 cm
Ultimate size	25–45 cm × 25–45 cm
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	March–May, purple, pink, white
Water need	High
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	30 cm
For dogs	Toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Toxic (uncertain)
For children	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €2.90

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €2.90 – €3.90

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Perennials for part shade Perennials for clay soil Perennials for pollinators Plants for containers

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