Primula vailii

Easily identifiable by its striking conical inflorescences with red apex, Vial’s Primrose, Primula vialii is an alpine plant endemic to the southwest of Sichuan and north and northwest of Yunnan (China), where it grows in wet meadows between 2800 and 4000 m of altitude.  Growing up to 10 inches tall, this species is also known as the 'Orchid Primrose'. Considered to be a rare plant in its natural habitat, we grew this one from seed. Likes to grow in partial shade, on the banks of streams or ponds, or in sunny places as long as the soil remains moist. Blooming occurs from June to August.