MayFord is excited to introduce the latest addition to the MayFord Megapack flower range: Primula Malacoides Lavender.
Just in time for autumn sowing, this enchanting variety brings soft lavender blooms and exceptional shade tolerance to South African gardens. In fact, Primula Lavender is the most shade‑loving flower seed variety in our entire range, making it a must‑have for those tricky low‑light areas.
A plant with history and prestige
Primula malacoides, also known as the fairy primrose or baby primrose, originates from the Himalayan region. Interestingly, this is the same part of the world where tulips come from, and the two make a classic pair in combination or lasagne planting. Simply plant your tulip bulbs first and oversow with Primula Lavender for a multi‑layered, magical display.
This species was first collected from Chinese rice fields in 1908 by plant explorer George Forrest, where it grew wild as a weed. From those humble beginnings, Primula malacoides has gone on to earn the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, a recognition reserved for plants that show outstanding garden performance, reliability and disease resistance.
Why gardeners love Primula Lavender
This variety stands out for more than just its beauty. It is:
- Exceptionally shade tolerant
- Very easy to grow, even for beginners
- Perfect for mass planting in borders or bedding
- Lovely in containers, adding softness and colour
- Excellent for filling gaps between shrubs
With graceful flower heads reaching around 25 cm in height and blooming in just 90 days, Primula Lavender brings early-season colour to the garden when many other plants are dormant.
How to grow Primula Lavender
- Best sowing time:
Autumn and winter in frost‑free areas
Autumn only in frost‑prone regions
- Where to sow: In seed trays, then transplant into their final positions
- Light requirements: Shade to semi‑shade (avoid full sun)
- Ideal for: Mass planting, containers, shady borders, woodland gardens
- Time to flower: ± 90 days
- Final height: ± 25 cm
Now available in MayFord Megapacks at leading garden centres, retailers and co‑ops.
