This magnificent species of primula is sometimes known as the ‘Giant Himalayan cowslip’ and is the largest primula in the world.

It was discovered in south-east Tibet by the famous plant-hunter, Frank Kingdon Ward, who named it after his first wife, Florinda.

It is a hardy species and was introduced by Ward in 1924.

This is an excellent plant for waterlogged soils, as its natural habitat is very wet riversides and forest bogs at around 4000 m in altitude.

This species is reputed to be one of the favourite plants of HRH Princess Mary, who was very fond of Asiatic primulas.

She subscribed to Frank Kingdon Ward’s plant-hunting expeditions in the Far East during the 1930s.

Plants of this and other species of primula have been grown in the Himalayan Garden for almost a century.