Primula vialii Alison Holland - Vial's Primrose

The Primula vialii 'Alison Holland' is a superb variety of the orchid primrose, with pure white flowers. In summer, it produces large conical spikes with tightly packed flowers. It thrives in damp to moist, semi-shaded soils.

The 'Alison Holland' orchid primrose belongs to the Primulaceae family. The countless primroses and their varieties need no introduction, as they bring life to cool and moist places from spring to summer. This variety comes from Primula vialii, a Chinese species with conical and tightly packed rose-violet spikes and raspberry-coloured calyxes, carried on upright spikes covered in short hairs. This species, which is generally a short-lived perennial, forms a large rosette of long, tender green leaves, also slightly hairy. 'Alison Holland' produces pure white flowers (including their calyxes) between May and July, and develops stems that reach 30 to 50 cm (12 to 20in) in height and 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12in) in width under good conditions.

The 'Alison Holland' primrose prefers cool to moist (but well-drained), rich, and loose soils that are neutral to acidic. While it tolerates the sun, it prefers partial shade, especially since the white flowers of this variety will shine even more in this situation. It is very hardy.

Highly graphic, it will bring life to pond edges and damp areas, alongside other primroses such as Primula denticulata or P. bulleyana, Siberian Iris, Sweet Flags, and small ferns like Maidenhair Ferns. You can also grow it in a pot, but remember to water it well.