Primula kisoana

Here’s a rarely planted primrose that is easy to grow in moist woodland conditions. It’s native to Japan and is endangered in its natural habitat. The bright pink flowers, held above the leaves on tall stalks, make a nice magenta show in early spring. It prefers shade and a rich woodland soil, though will go dormant early if it dries out. The beds along our pond rarely do, so the furry geranium-shaped leaves are present until midsummer. It forms little colonies (not at all aggressive) with underground runners. There is also a white form which for some reason, doesn’t have a good show of flowers for me this year.