![]() Plants from China, Japan and Korea that are native to open woodlands. alpicola, 18″ – white, violet, or yellow P. They are medium sized with clusters of flowers ( often scented) that are bell-shaped on a tall stem: P. japonica, 2′ – red to white (Miller’s crimson and Postford white are two seed strains available).Ī small group of excellent garden plants. bulleyana, 18″ – red buds orange-yellow flowers P. They set large quantities of seed and will self sow in the garden if not dead-headed. When dormant they are vulnerable to rotting and should be kept as dry as possible. They all go dormant in winter usually forming a fat bud at or slightly below the surface of the soil. They need regular moisture when in full growth. They can get quite large, up to two feet in diameter. The flowers are arranged in rings or layers along a tall stem. These plants are native to various Asian mountain ranges. amoena – white or violet, are all quite hardy. elatior, cowslip – nodding ,bright yellow P. The species in this group: Primula vulgaris, Wild primrose – Soft yellowįlowers P. Seed from European sources seems to be the hardiest. I find that many of the hybrids do not have a strong enough constitution for my conditions but are certainly worth trying in milder areas or areas with reliable snow cover. Seed strains available are Pacific Giants, Cowichans, Gold Lace, and Wanda Hybrids. ![]() In some areas they are used for mass bedding with spring bulbs. They were developed from a number of European species and are characterized by their clusters of brightly coloured flowers. This is a group of complex hybrids, some of which have been bred for the florist trade. I am arbitrarily grouping the plants according to garden and habitat preferences and similar physical characteristics I am also including hybrids as well as species. Some winters I lose a lot of plants but they are worth the extra effort it takes to keep them going. I get my water from a well and cannot water extensively, so in summer areas of the garden become very dry and the plants suffer. Where I garden, in Fall River, the winter temperature is often 5C colder than Metro Halifax and the coastal areas. Hot, humid summers can cause trouble as well. Our lack of snow cover, January thaws and cold wet springs all make growing some of these plants a challenge. They may still make good garden plants, often hybrids are more vigorous than the species.Ĭlimate determines which primulas you can grow, especially the winter conditions. A package of seed may produce plants that bear little resemblance to the official description of the plant listed on the label. ![]() The RSCAR seed list occasionally has a few primulas.Ī word of caution, much of the seed is garden collected and is likely to be of mixed blood. The American Primrose Society has a seed list that offers a wide range of different types at a reasonable price. The seed exchanges of plant societies, especially Alpine and Rock Garden Clubs, are an excellent way of getting small quantities of seed. There are a number of commercial sources of primula seed throughout Canada, USA and UK. The process is not too difficult but does require patience and some space in your garden (frames, nursery beds etc.) where you can pamper the small plants. The least expensive way to get plants is to grow them from seed. ![]() Even so, with a bit of effort there is still a wide variety of primula types that we can grow here in Atlantic Canada. Many of them are too tender for Atlantic winters, some are not in cultivation, others are only grown in Botanical gardens or by specialists and are difficult or expensive to obtain. From this large pool of plants only a few are being grown here. In addition there are a lot of natural and man-made hybrids. There are more than four hundred species of Primula and new ones are still being found. Primulas for Atlantic Canada By Sterling Levy
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