PerennialsDiscover the right perennial plants for your garden.
Bouquet Perfect ™ ' Blue Ripples ' primrose . Photo by : Proven achiever
One of the first perennial to flower in spring — sometimes as ahead of time as March — primroses ( Primula ) bring a welcome dose of cheer to the garden after the bare days of wintertime . It ’s always a joyousness to see their charming bunch of delicacy flowers emerge above pure rosette of rumple foliage , like a sweetness displayed in a pretty vase . And the raiment of colours is amazing ! With choices ranging from easy shades of pinko and purple to vibrant yellowness and bright violent Bolshevik , you ’re certain to find a primrose that will light up your garden .
Despite their delicate visual aspect , primrose love cool temperature and many varieties are moth-eaten hardy , even in area with harsh winters . In southern garden , where primroses wither in the summer heat , you could treat them as annuals and plant them each fall for later wintertime or early spring bloom .
On this page : Basics|Planting|Care|Varieties|Frequently Asked Questions
BASICS
Botanical name:
Primulaspp . and hybrid . gain from the Romance word “ primus ” , primrose means “ footling earliest one ” and refer to the plant ’s early spring emergence .
Common name:
Primrose
Plant type:
Herbaceous perennial
Zones:
Typically 3 - 8 , but can diverge by species
Exposure:
Part shade to full sun
Mature size:
Up to 12 inches magniloquent and 18 inches widely , depending on the mixture
Bloom time:
other natural spring until early summer in most region . In meek climate , plants may bloom in later wintertime . Some types will also rebloom in the fall , although not as copiously .
Foliage:
Medium to dark light-green leaves , format in primer coat - hug rosettes , rank in shape from oblong to broadly rounded , with some having toothed border . The surface may be bland , hirsute , or deep crease .
Flowers:
Blooms in shades of yellow , ruby , majestic , pinkish , blue , livid , and various bicolors . Some specie bear one flower per stem while others have dome - shaped or rounded clusters of flush . Many newer cultivars have semi - double or two-fold flower .
Special attributes:
Landscape uses:
Borders , great deal planting , container gardens , cottage gardens , woodland gardens , stone gardens .
PLANTING PRIMROSE
Bouquet Perfect ™ ' Mandarin ' Primrose . picture by : Proven Winners .
When to plant:
Set primroses out in the garden in bound after all danger of frost has passed . In areas with mild winter , plant primroses in the fall or early wintertime for late wintertime and spring blooms .
Where to plant:
Primroses flourish in full Dominicus in areas with nerveless summers , but commonly require fond shade elsewhere . They are ideal for planting under deciduous tree diagram that allow sun to run through in the spring before the leaves issue and supply mottled shade during the summertime . In hot climates , plant life primroses in a location that receives shadowiness during the warmth of the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. .
How to plant:
Plant so the crown is just above the soil surface , spacing plants 6 to 12 inches apart . To aid retain moisture and keep the roots cool , apply a 1- to 2 - inch stratum of mulch around plants , nullify the cap .
Soil:
Prefers consistently moist , fertile dirt rich in organic matter , with dependable drainage .
Growing indoors:
In spring , you’re able to notice primula sold as pot houseplants that have been forced for early blooming . mostly , potted primroses will bloom for several workweek indoors , after which it is good to plant them directly in the garden or summertime them outside in their stack .
As houseplant , primroses incline to be short - live and let them to bloom again can be take exception , since they ask cool growing stipulation and a menses of winter dormancy . If you decide to keep your primrose indoors , give them plenty of vivid , collateral light and place them in a location with nighttime temperatures between 50 ° to 60 ° farad and daytime temperatures below 80 ° F .
PRIMROSE CARE
Watering:
The most important aspect of care for primrose is check that they receive consistent moisture . If the soil is too dry , your industrial plant will wilt and shrivel , and if it ’s overly soggy , they will be susceptible to crown and origin rot . During dry spells , water primroses regularly , providing about an inch of body of water per calendar week .
Water container - grown plant whenever the top in of stain sense dry . In spicy , ironic summertime weather condition , plant may go hibernating unless they are kept well - water .
Amendments and fertilizer:
BecausePrimulagrow intimately in productive , well - draining soil , rectify it at planting prison term withcompostto improve drainage and supply nutrient . Also apply a layer ofmulcharound the root zona of your plants to help oneself keep the dirt moist and isolate the roots from temperature extremes .
In other outflow , an software of a bloom - boasting fertilizer for flowering plants will aid jumpstart outgrowth . To keep your potted primroses in blush , feed them monthly using awater - soluble plant fooddiluted to half strong suit .
Pruning and deadheading:
To promote new blooms and keep your primrose looking tidy , remove the spent efflorescence by trim them off at the base of the stem . Also prune plants as involve throughout the time of year to remove dead or diseased foliage and to maintain their bod .
Propagating:
The easiest style to propagate primroses is by division , either in spring right after booming or in former fall . Non - infertile varieties may also be propagate by ejaculate , but the ensue plants may not rest true to type . ( * See notation below on propagating or divide patent plant . control your flora tags for the ® or ™ symbolic representation by the plant name . )
Winter care:
Although most primroses are stalwart in northern climates , they should be covered with a thick layer of mulch or evergreen plant boughs in surface area miss ordered snow covering fire , which will help insulate them from hard freezes and fluctuating winter temperature . Remove the mulch before the foliage emerge in saltation , but protect warm new growth if frost is expected .
Pests and diseases:
Primroses are generally innocent of blighter , but be on the lookout forslugs , aphids , andspider mites . Plants may also be susceptible to leafage situation , a fungous disease characterized by brown spot and yellowing leave . Remove the septic foliage , and allow equal spacing between plant life to guarantee good air circulation .
PRIMROSE VARIETIES
Photo by : Pavel_Klimenko / Shutterstock
English PrimrosePrimula vulgaris
Zones:4 - 8Height and spread:6 to 12 inch grandiloquent , 8 to 9 inches wide
This wild primrose , aboriginal to parts of Europe , has been used as a parent plant for many hybrids . In late wintertime to early spring , it ’s traverse by masses of larder scandalmongering flowers with deep yellow centers , arising from semi - evergreen rosettes of promising green , spear - regulate farewell . Like most primroses , it flourish in fond shadowiness and damp soil , making it a wonderful addition to a timberland garden .
Photo by : Proven Winners
Bouquet Perfect ™ ' Blue Ripples'—Buy now from Proven WinnersPrimula vulgaris
Zones:3 - 8Height and spread:5 to 8 in tall , 10 to 12 inch wide
Frilly violet amobarbital sodium , semi - double flowers with white margins bloom profusely throughout the spring . Because the flowers are sterile , you could love them over an exceptionally long bloom period . A great alternative for institute in container or along a tract , thanks to its compact sizing and mound substance abuse .
Bouquet Perfect ™ ' Mandarin'—Buy now from Proven WinnersPrimula vulgaris
These redundant - turgid golden yellow blossoms originate above a well - rounded mound of disconsolate greenish foliation , add together a vibrant popping of color to garden bed and spring container plantings . To prevent the shallow roots from dry out , grow in a boggy or consistently damp dirt and put up some protection over the winter .
Photo by : Dajra / Shutterstock
CowslipPrimula veris
Zones:3 - 8Height and spread:8 to 10 inches tall , 10 to 12 inches extensive
Cowslips are some of the earliest primroses to blossom , open their bud of fragrant chime - shaped blossoms while night are still frosty . Native to Europe and Asia , cowslip has naturalized over much of easterly North America , where it thrives in meadows and open forest mount . In the garden , it can tolerate dry conditions than most primroses as long you shield it from afternoon Sunday .
photograph by : Flower_Garden / Shutterstock
Drumstick PrimulaPrimula denticulata
Zones:3 - 8Height and spread:8 to 12 inches tall and wide
Also called Lollipop primula , this showy Himalayan native grow ballock - shape clusters of lavender , purplish , pink , or snowy flowers , all adorned with yellow eyes . roost atop loggerheaded , upright halt , the lightly fragrant flowers are excellent for cutting .
Photo by : Edita Medeina
' Miller ’s Crimson’Primula japonica
Zones:4 - 8Height and spread:12 to 18 column inch tall and all-inclusive
This endearing cultivar of the Japanese primrose ( P. japonica ) flaunts magical clusters of deep red - red flowers held in whorls above mounds of crinkled foliage . It grows best in a moist , humus - rich grunge in mottled shade .
pic by : Amelia Martin / Shutterstock
' Oakleaf Yellow Picotee’Primula vulgaris
Notable for its strange oak - leaf - regulate foliage , this long - bloomingPrimulais overstep by cheerful icteric bloom with red edges that emerge as too soon as mid - February and go on through April . Like other primrose , it favour nerveless conditions and may go dormant in area with raging , dry summers .
exposure by : Edita Medeina / Shutterstock
Crescendo Bright RedPrimulaxpolyantha
Zones:4 - 7Height and spread:6 to 8 inches tall , 6 to 10 inches broad
Belonging to thePolyanthusgroup of primrose ( a by nature occurring hybrid ofP. vulgarisandP. veris ) , this vibrantly colored cultivar features umbel of brilliant cerise flowers emphasise by large icteric eye , perched above goodish rosettes of disconsolate green parting . Deadhead after flowering to prolong the bloom period .
Photo by : Nancy J Ondra / Shutterstock
Hardy PrimrosePrimula kisoana
Zones:4 - 8Height and spread:6 to 8 inch tall and wide
Also known as Mt. Kiso primrose , this Japanese aboriginal characteristic pinkish to rose - mauve flowers with deeply notched flower petal , borne on pinkish stems covered by puberulent white hairs . idealistic for use as a groundcover , it slowly spread in the garden by stoloniferous rhizomes and self - seeding to form colonies .
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is primrose a perennial?
Primulatends to be a short - lived perennial . When grown under optimal conditions and in mood with cool summers , plants can live up to 5 years . In areas with hot , dry summers , they are best treated as spring - blooming annuals .
How do you get primroses to bloom indoors?
To prolong the bloom of primula indoors , keep plants in a coolheaded environment and give them bright , indirect sun . Another way to prolong bloom is to feed plants on a regular basis with a half - strength fertiliser solution . Although indoor plant are commonly discarded after the bloom have blow over , they can be moved alfresco into the garden , where they may bloom again the following bounce .
How long do primrose blooms last?
Primrose blooms can last for as long as six weeks , depending on weather condition conditions and other factors . When the bloom languish , think deadheading them to advance repeat flower .
Is primrose toxic?
According to theASPCA Toxic and Non - Toxic Plants List , primrose can be toxic to dogs and cats if take in , causing mild stomach upset . Keep plants aside from children and favourite .
Do primroses spread?
Although primula is n’t considered to be invasive , some eccentric will ego - sow and spread unless the blossom are deadheaded before they go to seed . If you do n’t want your plants to spread , consider growing a sterile variety that wo n’t go to source .
Can you grow primroses from seed?
Most primroses are comparatively easy to germinate from seminal fluid if the seeds are fresh or have been stored with care to keep them nerveless and ironical . stale stratify the seeds in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 weeks , then sow in them indoors in a unimaginative seed starting mix 4 to 6 week before the last frost date , barely enshroud them since brightness is required for germination . transplantation the seedlings alfresco after the last spring frost .
Get more crown for uprise primulas from seed fromThe American Primrose Society .
What are good companion plants for primroses?
For a colourful spring display , engraft your primrose amongearly - blossom bulbs , such as crocuses , daffodil , and dwarf iris . Other plants that pair well with primula and like the same moist , part shaded weather includeastilbe , Japanese paint fern , false miterwort , bleeding heart , andlungwort .
- REGARDING PROPAGATION : When it comes to propagate patent works , there are rigorous rules in place prohibiting reproduction or propagation of these plants in any way . This means you ca n’t regurgitate them ( even for use in your own garden ) , sell them , or add them into the state without permit . The jurisprudence does not make exception for what some might study minor infringements . Any unauthorized use of patented plants is considered an infringement .
