mosquito bills
Primula hendersonii
USDA zones5 to 7
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size12 inches tall
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, winter
- Bloom color
- Red , pink , purple
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Mosquito bills (Primula hendersonii) is a perennial for borders, containers, and woodland gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and dry to moist soil of most types. Purple or pink flowers nod in clusters at the top of a tall bare stem. The petals sweep backward, and the dark stamens point forward like a beak. It forms colonies from basal rosettes of broad, rounded leaves.
Pairs well with Lenten rose, Siebold's hosta, and Bracken.
Native range
CA, OR, and WA; BC.