Primula vulgaris (p.acaulis)

Primrose is one of the first plants to bloom in late winter and early summer. The species of primula vulgaris (or p.acaulis) is commonly found in part-shaded to sunny but moist meadows, and near river banks all around Europe but north parts, to Turkey. It is a long-lived evergreen perennial with elongated, obovate, rich green leaves with deep veins.

The flowers are borne atop long stalks, not stems, and are pale yellow or pale pink in the wild but modern varieties and hybrids boast immense range of almost all possible colours and combinations but true blue and black. It starts flowering from the end of winter, or in countries with mild winters already from January until the first hot days of early summer. Also, plants are forced in autumn for early winter sale to provide winter interest in pots on patios and window sills where they bloom until the real frost. Then they stop and wait until spring to continue blooming.

Grow it in constantly moist but well-drained, humus-rich, preferably alkaline to neutral soil that will never dry out completely. It does best in partial shade but can take full sun, too, if kept moist. Suitable for both pot culture and borders. Hardy to about -30°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 18-01-2020