Primroses have belonged to the English people for centuries. Queen Victoria’s tribute at the death of her prime minister, Disraeli, was a wreath of primroses. Their journey to popularity in this country has been slow except on the Pacific Coast. Elsewhere, the fascination of growing primroses has been known to but few. My favorite primroses … Read more
The lush Polyanthus primroses from West Coast breeders had been so impressive in the garden that two years ago, I decided to try them in my greenhouse for late winter bloom. My choice was the blue shades—huge blossoms toned a rich blue, stitched with gold around the edges and gold in the center too. Starting … Read more
To me, primroses are the real aristocrats of those plants that bloom in the earliest spring. They are wonderful when massed in a bed or border. Even when just one or two plants are grown in the shaded rock garden, nestled among other greenery, they will provide a lovely spot of color. Probably the reason … Read more
This charming winter-blooming plant was introduced into England in about 1820, where it was first grown as a tender garden plant. Later, improved forms of the Chinese primrose were developed as greenhouse plants, which are used entirely here. There is much variation in both color and form. Pure white or shades of pink, blue, or … Read more
One of the most familiar signs of spring is the Primula Vulgaris ‘Grandiflora,’ a semi-evergreen perennial that is first to bloom and provide a burst of vivid colors in gardens, borders, or landscapes. It is a species belonging to the genus Primula and a member of the Primulaceae or the Primrose family, which contains about … Read more
Many flower families are of more general importance in the rock garden than the evening primrose. However, few individual species furnish more lively color than some of the members of this family. The genus is a member of the Onagraceae and is not related to the true primroses. Opening Of Evening Primroses Evening primroses do … Read more
Primulas are the natural aristocrats of all the spring flowers that gladden the eye, or so it seems to me. This is no suggestion that daffodils, tulips, scillas, and other spring flowers are not lovely. Many gardeners have one or two primulas in a rock garden where they are at home, but there is no … Read more
The very first days of Spring bring into bloom those appealing members of the primrose family called the Juliana hybrids. They are so named after their parent, Primula juliae, a native of the Caucasus. It was first grown in English gardens in 1911 and is cherished in gardens everywhere for its beauty, its willingness, and … Read more
Auriculas are old and familiar plants in Europe. In America, however, they have not been widely grown until very recently. When I first became interested in growing auriculas, nearly 30 years ago, it is doubtful if many, or indeed any, could be found in gardens in southern Maine. Now, they are grown and admired here … Read more
We live near Philadelphia, and people still ask me whether primroses are hardy here. The answer is that they are, and for that matter, they are even harder in much colder climates. Primroses Bloom in Summer Some primroses will bloom in succession from April through the Summer; there are kinds for wet places, woodlands, and … Read more