Primula vialii (Orchid Primrose) Red - Lilac Rocket Spikes for Pond & Bog-Edge (Peat-Free, Pesticide-Free; Non-Native, Garden-Safe)

A striking orchid-primrose for cool, consistently moist soils at the pond collar/bog-edge (not aquatic). Dense crimson buds open from the base into lilac-purple florets, creating the classic two-tone “rocket” in late spring to early summer. Rosettes knit neatly among sedges and low marginals, offering useful nectar for bees and hoverflies in still, mild weather. Typically 30-50 cm in flower; short-lived perennial/biennial that will self-seed modestly where happy.
Native status: Asian non-native; garden-safe and non-invasive when managed.

Where it thrives

Light: Sun to partial shade (cool roots preferred)
Moisture/Zone: Pond collar / bog-edge / damp border; mineral loam with leaf-mould; do not submerge
Setting: Front/mid damp border by paths and seating, among sedges, water forget-me-not, and ragged robin; superb in cool, sheltered spots

Planting & care

• Plant rosettes into peat-free mineral loam, improved with leaf-mould; mulch each spring to hold moisture

• Keep evenly moist - never bake dry; water in dry spells

• Deadhead some spikes to prolong bloom; leave a few to self-seed for renewal

• Divide/shift seedlings in autumn or early spring; avoid high-salt feeds and all pesticides

Safety (important & honest):
Ornamental use only - do not ingest. Generally low-risk; wash hands after gardening. Keep plant material and soil out of natural watercourses.

Truth-first wildlife note:
A good nectar stop in cool, moist weather but not a native host plant. In hot, exposed sites it can be short-lived - treat as a drift plant and let seedlings maintain the display. Pair with UK natives to carry nectar across the whole season.

Joel says…
“Dot three-to-five in little clumps along the cool rim so those red-to-lilac rockets repeat. Keep the soil moist and let a few seed heads ripen for next year’s show.”