Primula
Primrose
- Height × spread
- 0.1m – 0.9m × 0.1m – 0.9m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Generally available in Winter & Spring, some in Summer
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
Over 430 different primula species exist, and there are thousands of cultivars that are associated with different forms. Primulas are often bought for containers and bedding in polystyrene trays, and colourful Polyanthus forms are sold very cheaply. The Auricula primroses are accorded cult status, ever more specialized forms are developed and displayed in "Auricula theatres" (display cases designed to protect the plants from wind). Choice cultivars are cherished in alpine houses. Their larger relatives, the candelabra primroses, have columnar flowering stalks whorled with flowers, and are used in waterside plantings and in moist parts of the garden. Again, there are a large range of species and varieties available. There are also native forms still growing in the wild: the common primrose (Primula vulgaris), the cowslip (Primula veris) and the oxlip (Primula elatior).; Hazardous: CAUTION Primula obconica and its forms may cause skin allergy.
- Flower colour
- Assorted colours, Black, Blue, Cream, Gold, Lavender, Lilac, Mauve, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, Rose, Silver, White, Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Beige
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Bell, Column, Cone, Dome, Round
- Height
- 0.1m – 0.9m
- Spread
- 0.1m – 0.9m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Wild flower meadow, Small scale garden, Shady court, Scented garden, Rock garden, Indoors, Herb garden, Gravel garden, Cottage garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Gravelly soil, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil, Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, some are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Indoor temperature
- 0C minimum temperature
- Use for
- Ground cover, Bedding plant, Deer resistant, Rabbit resistant, Bee attraction, Butterfly attraction
- Maintenance
- Some varieties are easycare (low/no maintenance)
- Hazards
- Yes, some poisonous
AutumnNow
Autumn · Planting
Remove offsets to create new plants
Offsets are small plants or shoots that develop around the parent plant. They should have developed a root system of their own before they are detached. They can be planted directly, or grown in pots if so small they could be 'lost' in the garden.
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Feed with houseplant feed
From spring until autumn feed weekly with a half strength balanced houseplant fertiliser.
Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), choose one where nitrogen has a high value.
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Water regularly during growth
Water regularly while in growth.
Adopt a regime that means the plants are thoroughly watered every week so that they do not become dessicated. In hot weather watering may need to be more frequent, but less often in cool or moist conditions.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Winter
Winter · Indoors
Water lightly during dormancy
The soil should be kept just moist during the plant's rest period.
Planting & general
Indoors
Water some varieties differently
Some plant varieties within this genus have additional requirements for water. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for watering guidance, and/or check the label.
Outdoors
Feed & mulch some rose varieties differently
To keep roses healthy and produce more flowers, feed during the growing season before and after flowering. Roses in containers should be fed more often than those planted in the ground, every two weeks from mid spring to late summer. Adding a mulch around the base of a rose will trap moisture and enrich the soil as it biodegrades.
Indoor temperature · Planting
0C minimum temperature
This plant requires a minimum temperature of 0 Centigrade.
Compost · Planting
Compost requirements vary
Some plant varieties within this genus have differing requirements for compost. It is best to look up your specific plant for guidance, and/or check the label.
Position · Planting
Position requirements vary
Some plant varieties within this genus have differing requirements for light and room position. It is best to look up your specific plant for guidance, and/or check the label.
Compost · Planting
Multi-purpose compost
Use a good quality peat-free multi-purpose compost when growing in pots and containers.
Indoor plant · Planting
Position in indirect light indoors
Give the plant a position that is cool and light, and away from direct sunshine.
Found in
More Primula
Primula beesiana Belarina Cobalt Blue = 'Kerbelcob'
Polyanthus primrose
Primula denticulata var. alba
Drumstick primula
Primula elatior
Oxlip, Paigle
Primula japonica 'Miller's Crimson'
Candelabra primula, Japanese primrose
Primula vialii
Vial's primrose, Orchid rimrose, Red hot poker primula
Primula 'Alaska Blue Gem'
Primrose
Primula 'Chameleon'
Primrose
Primula 'Cottage Cream'
Primrose