We proudly research, grow, and write about our plants by hand. Descriptions are based on our experience as well as information gathered from reputable sources: books, periodicals, and select websites. Should you have questions beyond what is listed please email or call.

A cluster of purple Primula farinosa, also known as bird&

A red pencil with a gold ferrule and pink eraser standing upright in soil among green leaves and small purple flowers, with a small white plant tag in the background.

Primula farinosa | bird's eye primrose

Regular price: $8.99
Regular price
Sale price: $8.99

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Grown from seed in living soil without the use of pesticides, chemicals, or carbon fuels.

ships fall 2026

Bird's eye primrose (Primula farinosa) is a semi-evergreen perennial primrose from the Farinosa group. This beauty is commonly found growing wild from northern England, southern Scandinavia, Alps, Pyrenees and Tatra, but is rarely encountered in gardens. Primula farinosa is short-lived and reportedly tricky to grow, but we have had nothing but success with our plants so far. This batch germinated in spring 2025, grew a few inches, then bloomed in spring 2026 at an absurdly tiny size (see image 4). They have since filled out their 4-inch pots nicely.

Best grown on moist, limey, hummus-rich, well-drained soils in part shade. Good drainage is essential for success through winter. A nice addition to the shaded alpine garden.

Growers note: frost heave can be a problem in snow-less winters. For best results, plant in quantity as roots will join and anchor to the ground better. Plants should be mulched before winter. Cover with evergreen boughs for additional protection.

Zone: 3 to 7
Family: Primulaceae
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Height: 2 to 8 in.
Spread: 2 to 8 in.
Exposure: full sun to part shade
Conditions: moist, humus rich, fertile, alpine
Bloom Time: April to May
Native Range: Europe, Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and China

D8-c

4" pot

image credits

Guy Waterval , Apache License 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Tilman2007, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Guy Waterval, Apache License 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ordering information

Preorders

You may place your order anytime to reserve plants for fall 2026 shipping. If you place multiple orders, we will combine plants into one box (or as many as needed) and any extra shipping charges will be refunded.

We will resume shipping as soon as temperatures cool in our location and yours. This can range from the beginning of September for northern locations to the end of October for hot locations (Texas).

We will check in with you a week before shipping to make sure you receive your plants at a time that is convenient for you.

Shipping

Live plants ship in spring and fall only. Plants may ship dormant, depending on variety and season. Shipping costs are most reasonable when bundling like size plants.

4-inch: 1-6 plants ship for $15.00 / 7-13 plants ship for $18.00 / 14-30 plants ship for $40.00
1-gal: 1-2 plants ship for $18.00 / 3-4 plants ship for $25.00 / 5-6 plants ship for $40.00
trees & shrubs: $27.00-$40.00 each, height dependent
seeds: $6.75 or free with orders over $15.00

We regret that we cannot ship internationally or to the following states: AK, AZ, CA, CO, FL, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, or WA.

Nursery pick up

We will email you to schedule a day and time to collect your plants when they are ready in spring. Generally, plants can be collected from the nursery Monday through Sunday from 10am-4pm in Spring, Summer, and Fall.

Plant Sizes

We most commonly use the following pot sizes for perennials:

4-inch pot: 3.5" H x 3.5" W x 3.5" D
2-quart pot: 6" H x 5.25" W x 5.25" D
1-gallon pot: 6.87" H x 8" Dia (this is a true one gallon pot, not the smaller 'trade' one gallon pot used by many nurseries)

Check out our illustrated pot size guide here.

Representative trees & shrubs are photographed in their pots and posted on each plant page.

Sustainability

Sustainability is at the heart of what we do at The Old Dairy. We grow all of our plants outdoors without the use of chemicals, fertilizers, carbon fuels, or peat.

Many of our perennials are grown in the ground and dug upon order (this is especially true for larger sizes). This practice allows us to grow stronger, healthier plants using native soil, and ultimately reduces our impact on the environment.

Our open-pollinated seeds are collected from plants in our mother beds, which have never been treated with chemicals or sprays of any kind.

Read all about our sustainable practices here.