Primula denticulata, the drumstick primula, is a species of flowering plant in the family Primulaceae, native to moist alpine regions of China (S Xizang), Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, N Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.[1] It is an herbaceous perennial growing to 45cm (18inches) tall and wide, with rosettes of oval leaves and sturdy stems bearing spherical umbels of purple flowers in late spring and early summer.[2] Flowers can also be lavender, pink, or white in colour.[3] The specific epithet denticulata means "small-toothed", referring to the serrated leaf edges.[4] The plant's common name, drumstick primula, refers to the spherical shape of the inflorescence, above an erect stem.
A popular garden subject for deep moist soil in sun or partial shade, P. denticulata and its cultivars can be grown from seed.[5] It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[6] [7]
Primula denticulata is known to contain the contact allergens primin and other quinoid compounds.[8]