Primula
Primula hirsuta, Photo taken in the Swiss Alps by Matt Mattus
This is a large genus, some say over 400 and others say over 500. In any case this is a large group. It has been said that once you start growing primula you want to grow more and more and more. Most of the varieties originate in the northern hemisphere and many of these live in the Himalayas. Two groups make up the majority and they are “The European” and “The Asian", but America has some natives also. There are some primulas for
rock gardens and others for
woodland gardens and some will only live in an alpine house. The shapes and colors are many. Their light needs, range from sun to partial shade to deep shade and the soil needs go from acid to neutral to alkaline.
Primula kisoana Photo by Mike Slater
This all depends on which primula is being grown. But most all of them need organic matter well drained moist soil. What this says is know what primula you will be growing so you can meet its needs. They are addictive so know you will be adding more varieties.
The fancy varieties like the 'Gold Lace' and 'Silver Lace' ones are not as popular as they once were but many people find them beautiful and fascinating with their intricate color patterns.
Primula hyb. 'Silver Laced' Photo by Karen Schelinger
For more pictures go to the
Primula Image Gallery See also
Candelabra Primulas
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By clicking on the above it will take you to a new page titled Hands on Growing Experiences. In that page you will find more info on primulas via an article called Primulas I Have Grown
To see over 3500 excellent pictures of Primulas visit Pam Eveleigh's Primula World
.
