Primula obconica

Primula obconica is a species of flowering plant in the family Primulaceae, native to China. It is a short-lived evergreen perennial growing to 40 cm (16 in) tall by 25 cm (10 in) broad, with rosettes of coarse, heart-shaped leaves, and thick stalks bearing umbels of lavender flowers in late winter and early spring. The specific epithet obconica means 'inverted cone', referring to the convex flowers. This is a tender plant which us usually grown annually as a houseplant or in a cool greenhouse. Numerous cultivars have been developed, of which 'Libre Magenta' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. The hairs on the leaves may cause allergic reactions.