Primula Types

Primulas For Indoors and The Garden

Primula plants and species such as primula auricula, primula veris and Primula vulgaris all grow well in a free draining humus rich soil. A slow release fertilizer early in spring or some liquid seaweed fertilizer will help promote growth.

Primula Veris is the species known as ‘Cowslip’ and is well known for its yellow flowers, however many interesting species are also available for sale.

Look for Primula allionii species and cultivars for something a little different. Candelabra primula plants have the flowers rising above the foliage, ‘like a candelabra’ . Primula japonica ‘pink pagoda’ is pictured right.

Primula auricula

The species itself is yellow, however it is teh many hybrids that we today call Primula auricula and they are divided into four groups with sub groups ass well.

Read More about Primula auricula Types

Plant Profile

Primula are a cottage garden favourite. With over 400 species of primula a general growing guide is to provide a moist, shady position, humus rich soil and don’t let primulas dry out during summer. If you are looking for something really spectacular, the rare Primula vialli or ‘Orchid Primrose’ is worth seeking out at rare plant fairs, purple flowers in spikes, unusual.

Widely grown perennials Primula are often referred to as primroses. The genus Primula actually has around 450 species, so variety is incredible. Growing well in temperate woodland areas these late winter to spring flowering plants are a colourful addition to the garden and are also suited to growing in pots or containers.

With many hybrids available colour range and flower form is greatly varied. Some species and cultivars have flowers that are help well above the foliage while others are held down amongst the foliage.

Primula auricula is a species known as the mountain cowslip.
However the hybrids known as ‘auriculas’ can be divided into four main sections these being Show, Alpine, Double and Border.

Care

Primula can be a little fussy when it comes to care, they do not like dry conditions and they do not like it wet either, especially over winter, except for the bob primulas that is. And of course we also have polyanthus, Auriculas and Candelabra. However things are pretty much the same for most of them.

If you are growing them in the garden, and we do, you need to find a position that gets good light but not hot afternoon sun. So morning sun afternoon shade or dappled shade are the best light conditions.

Next step is the soil, it needs to be rich and moisture retentive, but not wet. So if you have sandy soil consider digging in a good quantity of well rotted compost and maybe some coco peat (coir peat). This will help retain moisture while allowing good drainage.

These plants will flower in spring and they do need a cool position especially in the Australian climate.

As they appear in spring water with a liquid seaweed fertiliser, you can use a slow release type as well if you wish, they are heavy feeders.

Care Summary

1. Choose a position in part shade, more shade in hotter climates.
2. Prepare the soil with lots of organic matter and some aged cow or sheep manure.
3. keep moist yet well drained.
4. Fertilise with a good organic fertiliser, and top dress with some well rotted compost, blood and bone and cow manure in spring.
5. Divide every 3 – 4 years.

Problems

• If you have a wet winter and the soil becomes boggy the plants may well rot.
• If allowed to dry out even when dormant you can also lose them.

We have grown these wonderful plants for years, lots of compost and we top up every year.

You may also like

• Primula bulleyana
• Primula kisoana ‘alba’
• Primula veris
• Primula plants for sale

Primula Plants are available for sale from the following nurseries and growers

LYNN'S RARE PLANTS
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au

MOIDART RARE PLANTS & GARDEN - phone: 0248612600
21 Eridge Park Rd Bowral NSW 2576
Large range of rare plants, bulbs, trees and shrubs for sale online from our Southern Highlands NSW nurseries.
www.moidartrareplantsandgarden.com

 

GENTIANA NURSERY
138 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda VIC 3788
"Large range of rare and unusual plants.."
www.gentiananursery.com.au

CLOVER HILL PLANTS - 02 4782 9225
Large variety of Epimediums, Woodland plants and Herbaceous perennials
Mail order or nursery. We do not send to Tasmania or WA
www.cloverhillrareplants.com

PERENNIALLE PLANTS - phone: 0427077798 
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au

MUSKER'S at BROUGHTON HALL Rare Plant Nursery - ph 0417056110
125 Palmer Rd Jindivick 3818
Open Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Specialising in growing and selling Rare and Unusual Trees, shrubs Perennials Bulbs and Climbers, a unique nursery with amazing stock.
www.muskersbroughtonhall.com.au