Discovered in 1908 in the Yunnan province of China, the Fairy Primrose or Primula Malacoides has become loved worldwide for its delicate and vibrant colors that grace cold winter months.
Primroses have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity over the past few years due to their ability to survive in low temperatures.
Primulas are easy to grow and can be purchased at a very low price.
Some of its common names are:
- Fairy Primrose
- Baby Primrose
Quick facts On Primula Malacoides
- Family: Primulaceae
- Light: Part Shade
- Temperature: 10° to 20° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Requires regular watering
- Fertilizer: 5-10-5
- Propagation: Division
- Common Problems: Leaf spot, Primula rust, root rot, aphids, mealybugs, snails
Primula Malacoides Care
How Big Do Fairy Primroses Grow?
A rosette-forming plant, the Fairy Primrose is an annual. Its hairy, toothed leaves resemble hearts.
Flowers grow about 12” inches tall from the centers of leaf rosettes.
When Does Fairy Primrose Bloom? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
That’s a great question and one that you should be able to answer if you plan on planting primrose gardens.
They bloom in the late winter or early spring and will be one of the first flowers you see yearly.
The Fairy Primrose’s fragrance is as magical as its name.
What Are The Lighting Needs and Temperature Requirements?
Primroses like a temperature between 50° to 60° degrees Fahrenheit at night and a lower temperature of 80° degrees Fahrenheit during the day.
Keep indoor plants in a cool place. Avoid direct sunlight as it can cause excessive heat.
How And When Should You Water And Fertilize Primula Plants?
For a few weeks, new primula plantings should receive water daily. Then, depending on the soil type and weather, you can adjust your watering frequency to once a week.
Clay soils keep moisture better than sandy soils, so watering more often in sandy areas is recommended.
I only apply water to the root zone, which is approximately 6″ to 12″ inches from the base of my plants.
If you have a large garden, a sprinkler may be necessary. Water in the morning to allow plant leaves to dry.
Wet foliage can lead to disease and mold, which can cause damage or death to plants.
A soaker hose is a great investment to keep plants healthy and reduce water loss through evaporation.
A watering wand equipped with a sprinkler head can also be used to water your plants.
Many types of fertilizers are available, including:
- Slow-release
- Organic
- Synthetic
- Granulated
It would be best if you determined which application method is most appropriate for your situation.
Then, choose a fertilizer with a balanced nutritional profile that encourages blooming (e.g., 5-10-5).
Excessive fertilizer can cause damage to plants. Therefore, it is important to read the instructions on feeding your plants.
What Is the Best Soil For Primulas And When Should You Transplant?
Primroses require a rich potting soil that is rich in organic matter. They thrive in moist environments such as bogs, streams, and meadows.
Mixes containing plenty of peat, compost, or leaf mold will retain moisture and provide primrose acid pH.
It should be well-drained. To improve drainage, you can add perlite.
You can improve the soil’s moisture retention by adding well-decomposed compost to your soil. This will also create a fertile environment.
Primroses that thrive in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s toughest plant zones 2-9 are most likely to flower late winter through summer.
However, some primroses can also bloom year-round in milder climates.
Primroses can tolerate full sun and cool temperatures, but they may need to be transplanted to shade areas before direct sunlight, and high temperatures can cause a problem.
Do Primulas Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
To maintain desired shape and size, you can prune plants as freely as you like.
Pinching plants back to encourage dense, bushy growth and more flowers stimulates new growth.
Some plants are only grown for their beautiful foliage (coleus, dusty miller, and flowering kale).
Unfortunately, their flowers aren’t very spectacular, so any buds should be pinched off to preserve the foliage and keep it looking its best.
How To Propagate Fairy Primroses?
Once flowering, Primrose is easy to lift and divide. This is the best method to multiply your batch, ensuring you can keep specific cultivars.
Here are some tips to remember:
- Use a shovel to lift the whole plant from the ground.
- Use pruners or spades to divide it into smaller sections.
- Place each one in a new site and water until new growth appears in a few weeks.
Fairy Primrose Pests And Diseases
Fairy primroses are commonly susceptible to pests, such as:
- Aphids
- Mealybugs
- Snails
- Slugs
This plant is also prone to fungal diseases, including:
- Leaf spot
- Primula rust
- Root rot
Is The Baby Primrose Plant Considered Toxic Or Poisonous To People, Kids, Or Pets?
The ASPCA considers the Primrose to be toxic to all domesticated animals.
Though some claim to be safe to eat, it is advisable to enjoy their beauty as a centerpiece rather than the main course.
Is The Baby Primrose Plant Considered Invasive?
Primroses in the wild inhabit plants that gradually spread out of an original clump.
Because of this reason, many varieties of Primrose can become quite invasive. Wild Primrose is not an easy weed to pull from the ground.
The stems tend to snap off, leaving the roots intact.
Suggested Uses For Baby Primrose Plants
This is an easy to grow flowering plant that offers delicately colored ornamentation both outside and inside.