Most of these small primulas in the Muscarioides section have tight over-wintering buds at ground level, but some, such as Primula vialii, disappear completely for the winter, emerging very late in spring. The soft leaves remain low, but the flower stems are upright, and carry tall, narrow spikes of small flowers, a bit like a grape hyacinth (Muscari), usually purple or mauve. Most are perennial but short-lived, easily kept going from seed.

Primula vialii is the easiest, tallest (up to 50 cm) and most distinct of this section. The flower heads have many bright red buds, opening to pale violet. Often described as like a red-hot poker; I would be disappointed if it was so brash!