Primrose or 'Primula'

Primrose plants (primulas) and flowers are seen as a quintessential English flower however these wonderful flowers are also popular in the USA.

With growers such as the world famous Barnhaven Primroses (based in France) able to supply seeds direct to the USA by mail order you can easily access some fantastic flowering plants. Primula Japonica (pink pagoda) is pictured right.

Looking fantastic in the border in spring into summer, or grown as specimens in pots or wind boxes primroses vary so much in form and color.

Often seen as cottage garden plants and recognised for the well known yellow flowering Primula vulgaris we can look at so many species including primula veris.

Primula plants are generally not difficult to grow and are much sought after, primula auricula, primula candleabra, auricula grandiflora, Primula 'Belarina' and primula vulgaris or 'native primrose' being very popular.

Primula (primrose) flowers, care, species and growing conditions range as they are a varied group of plants including primrose, polyanthus and cowslip. With well over 400 primula species and literally 1000s of hybrids the variety is almost endless.

We should also remember the Alpine relatives, Auriculas and these are the real show stoppers of this group of plants.

Primrose care

Basic primrose care involves growing these plants in appropriate conditions. A humus rich moist soil in a position that receives some good morning sun but some protection from the hot afternoon sun is ideal. In the summer they do require protection from the sun, a woodland setting in part shade is ideal, but this can be mimicked in most gardens. So moisture and sun protection.

Planting primroses

Primroses are easy to plant, dig the soil over well in the area to be planted and at the same time dig in some well rotted compost, it is always best to do this a few weeks before planting as compost has a tendency to compact and cause a little slump in the garden. Firm plants in well and water in with some seaweed fertiliser for great results. Mulch around the new plants to help retain moisture and a cool root run