Do you remember the clumps of primroses in grandmother’s garden?
There was a plant with creamy yellow blooms, another double white, like a miniature rose, and a third with flowers on an upright stalk, red petals edged with gold.
As time went on, primroses were lost or discarded in many gardens to make room for showier plants that are easier to grow in difficult climates.
The old types of primroses came from the native primulas of Europe and the Levant.
Hybridizers have now doubled the size of these old forms, increased the color range enormously, and taken away none of their early charms.
Colorful And Exotic Primrose Species
In the meantime, during the last 100 years, plant explorers have introduced many entirely new species, colorful and exotic.
Some gardeners have considered the hardy primulas not worth the effort, but we find, given a few essentials, primroses of some type can be grown practically any place in our country.
For a striking effect in a protected corner, make planting of one of the beautiful Candelabras and some Meconopsis baileyi.
Candelabras come on after the Polyanthus.
Above a whorl of flowers extends their blooming season through the late Spring, when the early flowers are gone.
They stand against unpredictable climate well if given plenty of water, and their colors are glorious.
Different Primrose Varieties
The species and varieties of this type seem endless.
- Primula pulrerulenta, Bartley strain especially, is perhaps the most striking with its watermelon-pink color.
- The Bulleyana hybrids are from yellow through the oranges.
- The Japonicas are from white to cerise. The foliage of all these is pleasing, often taller than the Polyanthus, and, in most instances, herbaceous.
- The Candelabra is not the only new form.
- Primula denticulate is interesting, with its lavender or white balls blooming very early. It is a good companion for the earliest flowers in the shady rockery.
- Primula sieboldi is another worthwhile species. The main difficulty with this seems to be that it disappears completely after the late Spring blooming, and unless the position is well-staked, the plant is likely to be dug up in an absent-minded hour.
The colors are inclined toward a magenta tinge, to which some plant fanciers may object, but the charm and beauty of its form more than compensates.
Try planting in drifts for naturalizing under deciduous shade trees.
Primroses Like Constant Casual Attention
Primroses are like shy, sweet children.
Given a little encouragement, they trustingly stay with you, blooming early and, at times, late.
They love petting, and if you can afford to give them a little constant, casual attention, they will fairly romp through your shady corners yet never become intrusive.
When you have primroses in your garden, Spring rushes to meet you.
Primula Culture Essentials
The main essentials for primula culture are the following:
- fairly rich soil
- water in dry weather
- protection from hot sun and dry winds
Complete, heavy shade is inadvisable, and most species enjoy a little morning sun but give them the sheltered spot which showy annuals and perennials scorn.
Under orchard trees seems an ideal situation. But remember, trees and shrubs take up water, and primulas resent drying out.
Good Garden Soil
For a start, any good garden soil will do.
They need good drainage, even the so-called bog species.
Add garden compost or peat moss for humus, and in heavy soils, sand may be advisable.
Chemical Or Organic Fertilizers
Primroses respond readily to chemical fertilizers or manure, though if they grow too rank, they will be more inclined to Winter-kill in colder sections.
In Summer, after blooming, a top dressing of leaf mold or other humus helps hold moisture during hot summer days.
Ideal Time To Divide Primroses
When the clumps become large, it will improve the size of blooms and the condition of plants to divide them.
The best time for this will depend on the climate, either after blooming or early Fall.
As descendants of wildflowers of mountains and the cooler regions, they are practically all hardy in cold weather if protected.
If snow is not on hand, turn a fine spray on them as the mercury dips, and when covered with ice, put over a few old boughs, corn stalks, or shelter of that type.
When the warm Spring breaks through, pull off the branches, and you will find little bud rosettes ready to spring into bloom.
Primroses Pests
Pests of primroses must be faced, though as a whole, these are not as much of a problem as with many other plants.
Red spiders or mites may attack during dry weather.
If the plants seem stunted or droopy, lift from the ground to check if the white grubs of the strawberry weevils may not be cutting off the roots.
If crown rot threatens, dust with sulphur.
Growing Primroses From Seed
Don’t be over-solicitous with your primroses.
Try growing some from seed.
The grower will give proper instructions with your order.
Then you need not limit yourself on numbers, and you have the feeling of creating and the thrill of experimenting.
If the seed is not too old, germination time is usually not too long for a patient gardener.