This Japanese species has been something of a cult plant in its native country, with hundreds of named varieties grown. It appears well on in spring, flowers quickly, and by late summer has vanished again - but somehow it manages to increase quickly, despite this limited growing time. Light green hairy leaves form the background for the heads of large flowers, which can be white, pink, purple, almost blue, with petals rounded or jagged - great variability. The species is a member of the Cortusoides section, the other members of which are listed as another group.

Primula sieboldii 'Sangoguko' has clusters of pink flowers with a white heart, above distinctive hairy leaves.