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
In their eagerness to bloom, primroses are among the most charming flowers of spring. Yet they have other assets that are equally appealing. A fantastic collection of species and varieties can be enjoyed from early spring through the warm days of early summer. Best of all, they are denizens of the shade but not in … Read more
Knowledge of the natural habitat of these plants will increase your success with them in the garden. A cool soil with constant moisture under the light shade of deciduous trees is ideal. The use of various mulches will help to achieve this condition. Polyantha Primrose’s Ideal Growing Conditions Polyantha primroses are voracious feeders, and to … 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
Today many of us think of primroses almost entirely as potted plants where the two Chinese species, Primula obconica, and malacoides, are the most popular. Of course, if one has a greenhouse or a not-too-warm window, one’s interest can logically be centered on these two beautiful primroses. However, primroses can also be grown in the … Read more
The few requirements for primroses are easily met and are found in practically every garden. They do require shade throughout Mid-America, but this is always available on the north side of the house or in the shade of shrubs, evergreens or trees. Primroses not only offer a variety of form, size, color, the habit of … Read more
Who wouldn’t like house plants that could be easily raised from seed, were neat in growth, and would keep the windows full of bloom all winter long—east, south, or west windows, filled with enough bloom even to allow judicious cutting occasionally for the table! Charming Primula Family The plants that fill these specifications are the … Read more
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 … Read more