The Sikkimensis section contains first-rate plants for places in the garden that are not too hot and dry, or even are very wet. They die down completely in the winter, but in spring make clumps of rounded leaves in distinct stems. Then the tall flower stems grow, each bearing two or three large whorls of flowers. Each flower is on its own long stem (pedicel), so that they arch outwards and downwards. They are wonderfully scented, and are coloured white, cream, yellow, orange, red, maroon or purple, with the insides often covered in cream powder.

Primula alpicola has two or three whorls of flowers towards the tops of the tall flower stems. Flowers can be white, yellow or shades of purple, and are deliciously scented. The strains, grown from seed, normally come true. The catalogue entry represents a mixture of the flower colours. The plants are completely deciduous.