German primrose is a short-lived perennial in the primrose family (Primulaceae) that s native to China. The specific epithet, obconica, means "inverted cone", referring to the convex flowers. Plant in a peat-based potting mixture for indoor use. Outdoors, they prefer a well-drained sandy loam. They need cool conditions and indirect sunlight for optimum performance. They bloom indoors in winter into early spring. After the flowers fade, keep in a cool place to encourage future blooming. It has basal, simple, elongated, glandular-haired leaves. The flowers are in rounded terminal clusters of bluish flowers with white edges and 5 petals on a naked stem. Leaves can cause contact dermatitis, so wear gloves when handling Use German primrose as an annual outdoors in shady gardens or as a houseplant. In frost-free areas, it can be grown as a perennial. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: The fungal disease botrytis may affect this plant. Good air circulation around the plant will help prevent this disease. Root rot, damping off and crown rot may cause the plant to wilt and die. Dispose of affected plants. More information on Primula .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Fills a similar nicheChrysanthemum x morifoliumLantana camara 'Miss Huff'Nerium oleander
Full plant profile
Growing Conditions
Plant type
Annual; Herbaceous Perennial; Poisonous
Life cycle
Perennial
USDA zones
9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
Light
Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
Soil texture
Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
Less than 12 inches
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect
Texture
Medium
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Rosulate
Leaf shape
Cordate; Elliptical
Leaf feel
Rough; Velvety
Hairs present
Yes
Leaf detail
Heart-shaped, basal, simple, elongated, with glandular hairs
Flower color
Blue; Cream/Tan; Gold/Yellow; Orange; Pink; Purple/Lavender; White
Flower value
Showy
Flower form
Umbel
Flower shape
Funnel
Flower detail
2-3 stalks with umbel (umbrella) flower clusters, terminal on a naked stem, 5-parted, funnel-shaped, pale lilac or purple with a yellow eye. Bloom indoors in winter and spring.
Bloom time
Spring; Winter
Fruit type
Capsule
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
China
Wildlife value
Toxic if ingested
Food & Medicine
Fruit type
Capsule
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Naturalized Area; Small Space; Woodland
Landscape theme
Shade Garden
Design feature
Mass Planting
Garden tags
#tender perennial #showy flowers #long bloom time #poisonous #low maintenance #problem for dogs #problem for horses #contact dermatitis #problem for cats #perennial #herb garden #florist plant #houseplant #winter flowers
Problems & Resistance
Problems
Contact Dermatitis; Poisonous to Humans; Problem for Cats; Problem for Dogs; Problem for Horses
Propagation
Seed
Poison severity
Medium
Poison parts
Leaves; Stems
Poison symptoms
Allergic skin irritation (redness, blisters, swelling), mainly on hands and face, following contact.
Toxic principle
Primin, a benzoquinone; primetin, a flavone
Contact dermatitis
Yes
Toxicity summary
Medium severity poison; parts: Leaves; Stems; contact dermatitis