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.