Primula
( PRIM - yew - luh )
At-A-Glance InformationPrimula, or Primrose, is a genus of flowering perennials that are grown sometimes as annuals. They require full sun in cooler climates only; otherwise, they are happiest in partial shade. Primrose needs regular water. They are native to the Himalayas, Southeast Asia, and Europe and are popular due to their colorful blooms. Most bloom in spring, but some flower in mid to late winter. All are great for a variety of garden uses, including in containers and as border fronting, and are also great in woodland plantings.
|
Primula Species and Varietals
The best growing zones for Primrose vary depending on the species and variety. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Primula auricula (Auricula) This species is best in zones A2, A3, 1-6. 15-17, and 22-24. Reaches 6-8 inches tall and a foot wide. Leaves are grey-green and leathery and flowers bloom in early spring. Blossoms can be white, cream, yellow, orange, pink, rose, red, purple, blue or brown. Great in pots or containers, and there are many varieties available. |
Primula beesiana Best in zones 3-6 and 15-17 and reaches 2 feet tall and wide. Leaves are green and over a foot long, and flowers bloom in mid to late spring in tiered whorls. Blooms are usually red with a yellow eye. The roots of this species run deep, and need regular deep soakings for best performance. |
Primula florindae Best in zones A2, A3, 3-6 and 15-17, and reaches 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. This is the most fragrant of all Primrose species. Flowers are yellow, bell shaped and carried in large clusters, blooming in late spring or summer. This species needs ample water and can grow in semi-boggy conditions. Hybrids have red, orange or yellow flowers. |
Primula japonica Best in zones A3, 2-6 and 15-17, this species grows to 2.5 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide, with light green leaves and spring or early summer flowers in purple with yellow eyes. They need ample water, to the point where they grow well at the edges of ponds and in shallow water. Varieties include 'Alba' (white flowers), 'Apple Blossom' (with light pink flowers that have red eyes), 'Postford White' (white with a red eye) and 'Miller's Crimson' (red blooms). |
Primula juliae (Juliana Primrose) This species is best in zones 2-6, 14-17 and 20-23 and reaches 3-4 inches tall and 10 inches wide, and has bright green leaves. Flowers are magenta with yellow eyes, and bloom one per stem in early springtime. These are great for woodland and rock gardens. Variety 'Wanda' is a classic form, and there is also a variety that has white flowers. |
Primula malacoides (Fairy Primrose, Baby Primrose) This species grows best in zones 8, 9 and 12-24, with evergreen foliage. It reaches 8-15 inches tall and 1 foot wide, and has tiered blossoms in the middle of winter through late spring. Flowers come in white, pink, rose, red, or lavender. These plants do well under tall-branching trees and in flower beds. Can tolerate light frost conditions. |
Primula obconica This species, best in zones 4-9 and 14-24, reaches a foot tall and just as wide. Leaves are hairy and soft, and the hairs can irritate skin. This species produces large clusters of flowers in spring in colors like pink, salmon, red, lavender, white, or reddish purple. Good for beds where winters are mild. Varieties in the Freedom and Libre strains don't have the hairs on them that cause allergic reactions. |
Primula Polyanthus Group (Polyanthus Primrose, English Primrose)
Best in zones 1-24, this species reaches 8-12 inches tall and 9 inches wide, with green leaves that resemble Romaine lettuce. Can be evergreen or grown as an annual (a better choice for cold-winter climates). Has large clusters of flowers in winter and spring, available in many colors. Varieties are outlined before.
Best in zones 1-24, this species reaches 8-12 inches tall and 9 inches wide, with green leaves that resemble Romaine lettuce. Can be evergreen or grown as an annual (a better choice for cold-winter climates). Has large clusters of flowers in winter and spring, available in many colors. Varieties are outlined before.
Primula x tommasinii Best in zones A3, 2-9 and 14-24, this species reaches 6-12 inches tall and a foot and a half wide. Leaves are green and flowers are fragrant, and appear to bloom out of each other. A popularly sold series is You and Me, which produces flowers in yellow, cream, maroon, red, rose, white, purple, apricot, and blue. |
Primula vulgaris (Primula acaulis) (Common Primrose, English Primrose) This species is best in zones A3, 2-6, 14-17 and 21-24. It reaches 8 inches tall and spreads a foot wide. It is evergreen in mild climates and blooms in early spring in white, yellow, red, blue, brown, bronze or deep red. Great in woodland gardens and as edgings. Also does well in beds and containers. |
Caring for Primula
Primrose likes to be planted in organically-rich well-draining soil. They also like to be mulched, so that their roots don't freeze or dry out easily. They will form tight clumps that can need dividing once performance declines. Otherwise, they like to be left in place. Dig and divide clumps right after blooms fade or in fall.
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
|
Propagating camellias
|
Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 528 - 529, Primula
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!