Together with us, the first flowers meet spring. For the most part, these are representatives of the bulbous. They are tender, fragile and a little cold, like the first spring months. Therefore, against the background of these flowers, the perennial primrose stands out, from which it breathes with the warmth of the sun and the promise of a long-awaited summer.
Primrose or primrose (Primula) of the Primrose family are rhizomatous herbaceous low perennial plants that bloom mainly in spring, although there are some summer-flowering species. Whole wrinkled leaves have a slight edge, they form a basal rosette. Flowering stems do not have leaves. Flowers come in a surprisingly varied color, there are two and even three-colored. They are located on peduncles singly or form various inflorescences. After flowering, a fruit box is formed with small dark brown seeds. All species reproduce well by seed, and many by dividing the bush. You can learn more about caring for primroses.
This flower is distributed throughout the world, therefore, accordingly, it has a lot of species, more than four hundred. In almost every country, it is covered with legends and myths, it is considered medicinal and mystical. For early flowering, primroses are called spring primroses, for wavy pubescent leaves - “rams”, and also “keys”, since the inflorescence resembles a bunch of small keys.
In the spring, having missed warmth and flowers, we meet bulbous primroses with special tenderness and joy. The largest of…
Primrose classifications
Although primroses are well studied and described by botanists, their huge variety makes classification quite difficult.
A unified universal classification has not yet been created. Officially, the primrose genus is divided into 7 subgenera: Sphondylia, Auriculastrum, Primula, Auganthus, Carolinella, Aleuritia, Craibia.
These plants differ from each other in shape, size, color of flowers and leaves, type of inflorescences, flowering time, that is, morphological features. On this basis, 23 (sometimes 30 or 38) sections or groups were identified.
The English Royal Horticultural Society has compiled its own, easier-to-use classification, which divides primroses into 3 large groups.
Florists for practical use divided into groups according to the shape of the inflorescences and their location.
Let us briefly consider these variants of classifications.
Classification according to morphological features
As we have already indicated above, the classification of primroses according to external features distinguishes 23-38 sections. Consider only those species that can be grown on the territory of our country (approximately in the middle lane).
1. Mealy primroses
Mealy primroses (Primula Fariaosa, Aleuritia). A characteristic feature of this group is the presence of white or yellow plaque on the plants. Small flowers form umbrella inflorescences. These are moisture-loving plants that require little shelter for the winter, are short-lived. This section includes more than 80 species.
Primula mealy 
Primula Gallera
We will name just a few of them. This is a native of the Balkans thick-leaved primrose (Рrimula frondosa), originally from the Alpine and Carpathian mountains, Haller's primrose (Рrimula halleri), mealy primrose (Primula fariaosa) grows in the Far East, the north of the European part of Russia, the north of Mongolia and in the mountains of Western Europe.
2. Primrose OREOPHLOMIS
Primrose pink
Primroses OREOPHLOMIS (Primula Oreophlomis) - this section includes low early flowering species. Distinctive features of this group are smooth leaves with a serrated edge and bright pink flowers with a small yellow eye.
The pink primrose (Primula rosea) most clearly represents the group. A lover of wet soils from the Himalayas. Young leaves with teeth on the edge have a bronze tint, but gradually become light green. Peduncles are short and at first it seems that the flowers lie on the leaves, but gradually grow up to 15 cm. Small (about 1 cm) pink flowers bloom in May.
On sale you can find a variety of Rosea Grandiflora with large flowers.
3. Primrose auricles
Auricula primroses, or auriculastrum (Primula Auricula, Auriculastrum) - this section includes 21 species native to Europe. These are low-growing plants with dense leaves, stems and flowers are covered with a white powdery coating. The color of the buds can be lilac, yellow, pink or purple, sometimes with a white eye.
Let's take a look at several types.
Auricula or ear primrose (Rrimula auricula) - grows in the mountain meadows of southern Europe. The leaves are dense, dark green, with barely visible teeth along the edge, can reach 20 cm. Traditionally, the flowers are yellow (up to 3 cm), but hybrids amaze with a variety of colors and their combination, there are multi-flowered varieties, as well as with contrasting eyes. All this flower splendor is collected in an umbrella at the top of the stem (10-25 cm). Flowering is long April-June. It may have several flower stalks. Leaves and flowers are abundantly "powdered".
Primula ear terry Crimson Glow 
Primrose ear terry Susannah 
Primula ear terry Jupp
This species has many varieties. In addition to the chic flower, the orange-yellow variety Jupp has a delicate aroma. Reminiscent of small roses primrose ear terry. Very beautiful with dense double dark cherry flowers Crimson Glow, pale pink with a light yellow base Susannah. An unusual Max variety, its flowers are black in the shade, becoming cherry in the sun.
Primrose pubescent Rubin
Primula pubescent (Рrimula pubescens) is a section of large-flowered hybrids, in the selection of which primroses were eared, hairy (P. Villosa), sticky (P. Viscosa), hard-haired (P. Hirsuta). This group is divided into three subgroups: Belgian, English and terry auricles. They differ in the color of the eye and the presence of plaque.
Velvet ruby-cherry flower with a large yellow center in the Rubin variety, white-cream with a yellow eye in the White variety, light purple also with a yellow eye in the Violeta variety.
This section also includes small primrose (Рrimula minima), Delekluza (Рrimula clusiana), hairy (Рrimula villosa), carniolian (Рrimula carniolica), rough-haired (Рrimula hirsuta), fringed (Рrimula marginata).
primrose hairy 
Primula delecluse 
Primula carniolia
4. Cortusiform primroses
Primrose cortusoides (Primula Corthusoides) - unite the inhabitants of Europe, Siberia, Japan, Korea, China. These species do not have a powdery coating, they have funnel-shaped flowers and petiolate leaves. This section includes the following types.
Primula cortusoides (Primula сorthusoides) is our West Siberian beauty. The leaves are oval-oblong with teeth along the edge, covered with long hairs, located on long petioles. Peduncle (from 10 to 40 cm) is also pubescent. At its top, the flowers are collected in a multi-flowered umbrella. Pinkish-purple petals have a deep groove in the middle. Blooms in late May and blooms until the end of June.
Primula Siebold (Рrimula sieboldii) is a native of Japan. It is distinguished by very decorative leaves, which, due to the special shape of the teeth along the edge, seem to be wavy. Multi-flowered umbrellas of various colors are located on peduncles 15-20 cm long. It blooms for a long time (almost 2 months) starting from the end of April. Thanks to well-branched rhizomes, it grows quickly.
Primula Siebold Aoyagizome 
Primula Siebold Shibori Gasane
Of the original varieties, I would like to note the Aoyagizome variety, white with rare light green spots, the Shibori Gasane variety, white with frequent pink strokes. Flowers of the Trade Winds variety series look like carved snowflakes.
This group also includes - rock primrose (Рrimula saxatilis), rejected (Рrimula patens), multi-nervous (Рrimula polyneura).
5. Dental primroses
Toothed primroses (Primula Denticulaia) - this section includes two species.
Primrose Capitate Salvana
Primrose capitate (Рrimula capitata) - this species is common in Tibet and India. The leaves are oblong with a blunt top, wrinkled, collected in a basal rosette. On a peduncle (15-30 cm), a capitate inflorescence is formed from small velvety purple flowers. The whole plant is "powdered" with a white bloom. Blooms almost all summer. In our area it is used mainly as an annual plant.
It has decorative varieties such as Noverna Deep Blue, Salvana.
Primula finely toothed
Small-toothed primrose (Rrimula denticulata) - differs from other species in pretty inflorescences-balls, consisting of small flowers of a traditional lilac range. Peduncles grow constantly: at first they are only 2-3 cm, but gradually, by the middle of flowering they already reach 20 cm, and at the end of the season even 30 cm. The whole plant is “powdered” with a yellowish coating. Primula dentate begins flowering in April, it lasts more than a month. Gives self-seeding and winters well.
Primula finely toothed is represented by various decorative varieties. Dense balls of small flowers with tiny yellow eyes are deep pink in Deep Rose, lilac blue in Cashmeriana, deep crimson in Rubra. Primula "Alba" will delight with white small clouds.
Has a primrose fine-toothed variety series. For example, Corolla, "Pon-pon" consist of different colors (white, purple, red).
6. Yulia primroses
Primrose Julia (Julia) - this section includes actually one species. Often this group also includes primrose prugonitskaya.
Primula Julia (Rrimula juliae) comes from Eastern Transcaucasia. This is a miniature plant (10 cm). The leaves are oval, with rounded teeth along the edge, located on long petioles. Lilac-purple flowers (up to 3 cm) are located one at a time at the top of the peduncle. They have a rather long flower tube (2 cm) and a deep groove in the middle of the petal. Blooms early in April and blooms for more than a month.
Primula Julia Sneeuwwitje 
Primula Julia Riga-6
There are many varieties and hybrids of this species. A popular Sneeuwwitje variety with snow-white petals and a lemon eye. The pleasant lilac-blue color contrasts well with the yellow eye of the Blue Julianas hybrid. An old but very attractive variety Riga-6, spring warmth is reflected in its rich pink petals and yellow-orange center.
Prugonitskaya primrose (Рrimula pruhoniciana) are hybrids of Yulia primrose (Рrimula juliae) and other species. For example, raspberry-purple with a bright yellow eye Wanda.
7. Primrose muscarioides
Primrose muscarioides is a section of plants native to Tibet and the Himalayas. Most often grown as biennials. Their distinctive feature is long pointed inflorescences, uncharacteristic for primroses.
Primula vial or orchid primrose (Рrimula vialii) - this species is quite difficult to take root in our climate, but it is worth it to make a little effort. The leaves are long lanceolate (up to 30 cm), with teeth along the edge and a very weak edge. The peduncle is covered with powdery coating, grows up to 20 cm (in our area up to 15 cm). The inflorescence, somewhat reminiscent of a small corncob, consists of many rich red buds, which, gradually blooming (from bottom to top), turn into pale lilac flowers with a pleasant light smell. Flowering continues from June to July.
This group also includes primrose muscariform (Рrimula muscarioides). This summer-flowering species is very rare in our country.
8. Primrose
Primulas (Primula) - this section with a common name includes species of European and Asia Minor origin, which completely lack powdery coating. Plants of this group are very common in decorative floriculture.
Primula high - plants come from central Europe and the Carpathian mountains. Oval-oblong leaves look wrinkled due to depressed veins. Leaf plate (from 5 to 20 cm) with a serrated edge and sparse hairs. Peduncle slightly pubescent (10-35 cm). Small yellow flowers with a dark center form a slightly drooping umbrella inflorescence. Flowering lasts about two months starting in mid-April. Hybrids have larger flowers and incredibly varied colors.
Primula high Piano Rose Bicolor 
Primula high Victoriana Gold Lace Black
Now this species has many varieties. For example, "Piano" includes Piano Red, Blue, White, Yellow, Orange, Fire, and even the most beautiful Piano Rose Bicolor. Due to the high peduncles, the primrose "Erfurt Giants" ("Big Ben") is suitable even for cutting.
Of the hybrids, I would like to note the so-called "lace" varieties - "Queen's Lace", Silver Lace Black, Victoriana Gold Lace Black. The rather dark petals of these varieties are framed by a thin whitish border, so the inflorescences seem openwork.
Polyanthic primrose, or multi-flowered primrose (Rrimula poliantha) - this species is very similar to the high primrose (Rrimula elatior), only its flowers are much larger (about 5-6 cm), flowering occurs later (end of May-June), there is a pleasant aroma. This species is much more tender and can freeze in winter, so a large number of such hybrids are grown as pot crops.
Primrose polyanthus "Francesca"
The Blue Jeans variety is very popular, its white petals are densely filled with blue veins. The Faye variety stands out for its striking combination of shades, while the SuperNova variety stands out for its very early flowering. One of the most original hybrid varieties is "Francesca", the owner of corrugated lemon-green flowers with a yellow eye.
Spring primrose (Рrimula veris) is an exclusively European species, which in the old days was called forest or medicinal primrose, it is still used for medicinal purposes. The leaves are oval, wrinkled (with depressed veins), uneven teeth along the edge make them slightly wavy. The underside of the leaf may be slightly hairy. A bright yellow flower with an orange center has a long calyx. Flowers at the top of a slightly hairy peduncle form a one-sided umbrella. Blooms from April to June. Numerous varieties have a wide variety of colors, and can be terry. Spring primrose is a very unpretentious species, however, it needs pollination by insects.
spring primrose 
spring primrose
For example, golden sun splashes are reminiscent of the yellow flowers of Cabrillo Yellow, and the Spring Palette mix will delight you with joyful colors.
Primula ordinary or stemless (Рrimula vulgaris / acaulis) - grows in the south of our country and Europe. The leaves are oval, elongated (5-25 cm), wrinkled. At the top of low peduncles (6-20 cm) are single flowers, most often yellow, sometimes white with a purple center. Petals resemble a heart, divided into two halves. Flowering in this species is active, so the plants look very attractive. Primula acaulis has many hybrids that have amazing colors but are less weather resistant.
Primrose stemless Blue Zebra
Primrose stemless "Potsdam Giants" stands out among others with large flowers on a very small bush (15 cm). And the terry primrose "Primlet" looks like bunches of cute little roses of stunningly beautiful colors. The flowers of the Rosanna terry series are a bit reminiscent of azalea. A very original color in the Blue Zebra variety is a bright contrast of a golden yellow eye with striped blue-white petals.
Primula akaulis is very often used for growing at home.
This section also includes large-calyx primrose (Primula macrocalyx), lovely (Rrimula amoena), Pallas (Rrimula pallasii), Voronov (Rrimula woronowii), Komarov (Rrimula komarovii), Ruprecht (Primula ruprechtii), Abkhazian (Rrimula abchasica), Sibtorp ( Primula Sibthorpii).
Primula lovely 
Primrose large-calyx 
Primula Sibthorpa 
Primula Komarova
9. Candelabra primroses
Candelabra primroses (Proliferae, Candelabra) - this section contains residents of Japan, China, India and other countries of this region. These plants are very beautiful, they are summer flowering. They grow well in our climate, but require careful shelter for the winter. Most often they are used as biennials, but if you create comfortable conditions for them, you can also grow them as perennials. Often give a good self-seeding.
Primula Bissa 
Primula Bullea
Primula bulleyana (Primula bulleyana) is a native of China, its peduncle reaches 50 cm, and the leaf plate is 40 cm. The leaves are elongated, serrated along the edge. Orange-yellow small flowers are located on a high peduncle in several tiers (from 5 to 7).
Bissa's primrose (Primula beesiana) and powdered primrose (Primula pulverulenta) are very similar to it, only they are slightly larger with raspberry flowers, and the latter species has a powdery coating.
Japanese primrose (Primula japonica) - this beauty can be used for cutting. Her peduncle (30-50 cm) seems to be decorated with bright crimson bracelets. Flowering begins in May from the lower tiers and lasts about 2 months.
Japanese Primula Apple Blossom 
Japanese primrose Miller's Crimson
Japanese primrose is also used in indoor floriculture as a pot culture.
The delicate apple blossom is reminiscent of the Apple Blossom variety, while Miller's Crimson has deep crimson flowers with a large cherry center.
Primula coekburna (Primula coekburniana) - also belongs to this group, but is very rarely grown in our area.
As you can see, this is a rather complicated classification and it is not always convenient for an amateur gardener to use it.
Classification of the English Royal Horticultural Society
This is a more simplified version of the classification.
Group-1. Ear-shaped primroses (auricula) and all sorts of their hybrids. This group is divided into 4 subgroups.
Primula ear 
Border (bed) are the most hardy and resistant varieties of this group. Thanks to strong peduncles, they withstand bad weather well. The compact habit allows you to create low flowering borders from them, and a wide palette of colors makes them popular in the design of flower beds. May have a slight powdery coating.
Alpine auricles are also well suited for outdoor cultivation. All of them are brightly colored. The middle and the tube of the obligatory one color. Flowers with a white center tend to have petals in the violet-blue range, and if the center is golden yellow, the petals may be in the reddish-brown range. May have a light border. This subgroup does not have a powdery coating on the flowers.
Terry primrose is stunningly beautiful, but it requires more attention and care. However, it feels good in the flower beds with proper care.
Exhibition are hybrid, rather exacting and gentle grades. For the most part, the flowers are covered with a powdery coating, which makes them very original. However, bad weather (rain and wind) severely damages this plaque (farina), so in Europe these show varieties are grown under cover or at home. In addition, some of them cannot winter in the open field.
Group-2. Primrose-polyanthus primroses. This group includes 2 subgroups.
Polyanthic primroses. This includes all complex hybrids with the participation of multi-flowered and high primroses.
Primrose spring, ordinary, Julia, as well as all sorts of their varieties.
Group-3. Candelabra primroses. This group combines species with a tiered arrangement of inflorescences. These are Japanese, Bissa and Bullea, as well as all their varieties.
Primula vulgaris 
Japanese primrose
This classification includes the most common types and varieties of primroses in decorative floriculture.
Classification according to the shape and arrangement of inflorescences
This is the simplest and most convenient classification for amateur gardeners, which allows you to choose varieties suitable for habit and shape for flower beds.
Cushion. This group includes species with single flowers on low peduncles, they only slightly rise above the “cushion” of leaves. The most popular in decorative floriculture from this group is the common primrose, small, Julia, Voronova.
Umbrella. In this group, inflorescences form a one-sided or rounded umbrella on peduncles up to 20 cm. Of the most popular types of primrose, high, polyanthus, auricular, spring, pink, rejected, and all their hybrids.
Spherical or capitate. Primrose spherical forms a dense capitate inflorescence, which looks like a decorative ball on a stem that grows during flowering. These include primrose finely toothed, capitate and their varieties.
Candelabra or tiered. The inflorescences of this group are arranged in tiers on a high strong peduncle, reminiscent of old candlesticks-candelabra. In our climate, Japanese primrose, Bullea, Byssa and powdered primrose are used.
florinda primrose 
sikkimese primrose
Bellflowers. This group has a drooping inflorescence of bell-like yellow flowers at the top of a strong peduncle. The group is small, but planting of these plants is possible along the banks of water bodies and in poorly drained areas. These are the Sikkimese primrose (Рrimula sikkimensis) and the Florinda primrose (Рrimula florindae).
The garden has been known to people since the era of the most ancient civilizations. However, most often these were open gardens. Winter Garden -…
Indoor primroses
We have considered the garden primrose and its classification. However, it should be noted that some species of this plant are grown as pot crops in our climate. Among them, the most common are Chinese primrose (Primula sinensis), Kyus primrose (Primula kewensis), malacoides primrose (Primula malacoides), reverse conical primrose (Primula obconica) and soft primrose (Primula malacoides).
Primrose reverse conical
For example, Chinese in open ground, blooms in May-June, and at home - from December to March.
Primula perennial is very diverse and beautiful. And the classifications we have considered will help you choose the variety that is right for your garden. An informative video will supplement the information.
The perennial garden primrose, one of the first to bloom in spring, attracts the attention of almost all flower lovers. It is part of the genus Primrose and the family of the same name. This family contains about 550 species.
The primrose flower grows both in the mountainous and lowland regions of Central and Western Asia, Europe, and also in America. About 60 species are used in floriculture, most of which are grown in open ground and only a small part in greenhouses. Primrose mainly grows in shaded and moist areas with loose soil. To understand how to care for primrose, you need to get acquainted with the plant itself.
Primula primrose is a perennial herbaceous plant that forms a rosette of leaves at the very base of the fibrous root. Primrose leaves can be lobed or entire. Leaves with a smooth or wrinkled surface are attached to the root with petioles, and may be sessile (without petioles).
The flowers of this culture have the most diverse colors, which can be monochromatic or two-color. Quite often there are species, varieties and hybrids with an eye. Flowers with a corolla, turning into a tube and a beautifully colored limb, resemble a funnel in their shape. They are collected in inflorescences of various types (bellflower, umbrella, capitate), but sometimes the flowers are arranged one at a time, although this is quite rare.
The shoots on which the inflorescences or flowers are located do not have leaves. Primrose usually blooms in April, but the flowering time depends on the type of primrose. Some plants bloom in early spring, and some in early summer. Small brownish seeds, resembling irregular balls in shape, ripen in a fruit - a box. Ripening time is June-July. One gram of seeds contains approximately 1000-1200 pieces. Reproduction of primrose can occur through seeds, as well as through dividing the bush and cuttings. On the street, primrose grows without a transplant for three to five years.
Most often, primroses are classified according to the type of inflorescences and flowers on plants. All primroses (including varieties and hybrids) are divided into 5 groups.
- The first group (cushion-shaped inflorescences) includes plants in which flowers are located one at a time, less often in inflorescences. They are slightly raised above the rosette of leaves. The main species of this group are the Julia primrose and its hybrids with other species. They are known by various species names: common or stemless primrose, small primrose. The predominant part of varieties and hybrids on sale are created on the basis of stemless primrose. A huge variety of colors and sizes of flowers attracts a lot of attention to this culture. Planting and caring for perennial primroses of this group do not require a lot of time.
Primrose ordinary or stemless
- In the second group (umbrella-shaped inflorescences), the flowers of plants are collected in inflorescences of the round or slightly inclined umbrella type. They are located on the peduncle, at a height of about 20 cm above the bush. The main species of this group include spring primrose, high primrose, ear primrose, polyanthus, mealy, Vialya and others. On sale you can find various varieties of high primrose, spring primrose and polyanthus primrose, as well as Vial primrose.
Primula high 
Primula Vialya
- The third group includes plants with a dense spherical shape of inflorescences, which are formed on a powerful peduncle. This group includes fine-toothed primrose, etc. Its flowers are painted in pink, white, red-carmine and brown-violet shades. Modern varieties of finely toothed primrose are distinguished by interesting and spectacular colors.
Primula finely toothed
- The fourth group includes plants with whorled inflorescences, consisting of several tiers. Such inflorescences bloom on the tops of thin, stable flower-bearing shoots. The most important species of this group are: primrose Bulley, p. Japanese, p. Byss and garden hybrids of this primrose from p. Bulley. Japanese primrose varieties with candelabra inflorescences look especially beautiful. They are rarely on sale.
Primula Bullea 
Japanese primrose
florinda primrose
- The last group with bell-shaped inflorescences includes species with drooping inflorescences or hanging flowers that bloom on flower shoots of various heights. This group includes the following species: alpine primrose, n. Sikkim, n. Florindy. Care for primroses in the garden, belonging to this group, is slightly different from other species.
Growing from seeds
Growing primrose from seeds requires some knowledge, so it's worth knowing its biological features. Firstly, they belong to slow-growing plants, seed germination can vary from 90 to 60%.
Secondly, the seeds of this crop quickly lose their germination capacity, and therefore they must be used in the year of harvest, but this will work out if the sowing is carried out in open ground in summer or autumn. With this option of sowing, young plants will bloom only in the third year of cultivation. It is desirable to store seeds at a temperature of 5 to 7 degrees (vegetable section of the refrigerator) and a humidity of 22 to 30%.
But it is possible to get ready-made plants in the year of sowing and even achieve their flowering. Primrose from seeds is grown from 20 to 24 weeks from sowing to the beginning of flowering. To correctly determine the time of sowing seeds, you need to understand exactly what you want to get at the end. If well-grown plants are required in a fairly short time, then it should be sown in late January - early February. These young plants will be planted outdoors after the end of frost, and they will bloom next spring.
To obtain finished products in color, early-flowering varieties and hybrids are chosen.
For sowing, loose, breathable soil with a slightly acidic reaction (pH 5.5 -6.2) is required. Low containers or pots are filled with well-moistened soil and leveled. Seeds are sown on the surface, covered with a film or glass and placed in a freezer for a period of about a month. After that, the seeds are germinated at a temperature of 17-18 degrees, which does not change during the day. Seeds of common primrose and finely serrated do not need to be frozen.
Seeds do not need light to germinate, but low light helps simultaneous germination. This period lasts from 7 to 20 days, depending on the type, variety and quality of the seeds. As soon as 50 percent of all seeds hatch, the shelter is removed. It is worth remembering that during the period of seed germination, temperature and humidity changes should not be allowed.
At the next stage of cultivation, which lasts a little more than two weeks, the seedlings are moved to a sufficiently lit place (without sun), the temperature is lowered to 16-17 degrees, and the amount of moisture in the soil is reduced (without drying out). An increase in temperature above 18 degrees slows down the growth of seedlings. It is advisable at this time to carry out top dressing with a weak solution of complex fertilizers.
In the next 35-50 days, the illumination of growing plants is increased, the temperature is maintained at 15-16 degrees and fertilizing with nitrogen fertilizers.
As soon as 3 leaves appear on the plants, they dive into plastic cups (3 to 5 cm in diameter), from which they are then transferred to larger containers. Bushes are transferred into pots with a diameter of 9-11 cm at the age of 9-11 weeks. Transplanted primroses are arranged so that they do not touch the leaves. As soon as the plants take root and begin to grow intensively, they can be planted in open ground (after the end of frost).
To obtain flowering primroses, a cooling period is carried out, lasting from 6 to 8 weeks. Plants aged 9-11 weeks with a well-developed rosette of leaves (from 6 to 8 pieces) are kept at a temperature that drops from 12-15 to 7-5 degrees. At this time, the illumination should be high. As soon as formed buds appear on the bushes, the temperature is increased to 15-17 degrees and primroses bloom.
Care
Primrose care is simple, provided that the planting site is selected taking into account the requirements of this plant. Primrose should be planted in shady places with well-moistened, loose and nutritious soil. Before planting, the beds are dug up to a depth of 20 to 30 cm and leaf humus and soddy soil are necessarily added. When planting a primrose and caring for it in the open field, you need to know a few nuances.
Primrose seedlings should be planted in such a way that there is no open land between adult bushes. Small species are placed after 10-15 cm, and large varieties and hybrids - after 30-40 cm. Even in a flowering state, plants tolerate transplantation quite well. After planting, the bushes are watered every day for two weeks.
To maintain a constant level of soil moisture, it is advisable to mulch the soil with leaf humus or peat soil about 4-5 cm high.
Caring for perennial primrose in the garden consists of regular watering throughout the growing season and spring fertilizing with complex fertilizers, which are carried out before and during flowering.
Overgrown bushes are usually divided into 3-5 years of cultivation. They are dug up, the roots are cleaned of soil (it is better to wash in water), divided into several parts, and then planted in a garden bed in a shaded place.
Diseases and pests
This crop can suffer from rust, root collar and stem base rot, spotting, anthracnose, viral diseases, and powdery mildew.
: "Kvadris", "Topsin M", "Topaz". Copper-containing preparations will help from spotting. Viral diseases are not treated and the affected plant will have to be destroyed.
Of the pests on the primrose, there are slugs, spider mites, aphids, mealybugs, weevils and flea beetles.
From slugs, the drug "Thunderstorm" will help, and from other pests - the appropriate insecticide.
Primroses in landscape design
Beautiful primroses are used in the design of perennial flower beds, in spring compositions with bulbous and small bulbous crops. Various types and varieties of this culture adorn rabatki, alpine slides and rockeries. This plant is perfect for decorating small ponds, portable containers and vases, as well as balcony boxes.
Cushion-shaped primroses are suitable for rocky gardens and alpine slides, as well as all varieties of fine-toothed primrose. In addition, fine-toothed primrose is quite often used in plantings with a variety of perennials. Primrose Julia is an indispensable plant for decorating the edge of a curb or garden path. When creating a garden in the Japanese style, primroses with a candelabra form of inflorescence are used. Care for primrose in flower arrangements will not cause much trouble.
Perennial primrose is one of the garden flowers of the harbingers of spring, soft green leaves and bright color of flowers will not leave anyone indifferent. Thanks to its qualities, it received many other names from gardeners - lamb, Easter flower. In order to enjoy flowering every year, you need to know how to properly plant and care for perennial primrose.
Description of perennial primrose
Primula (primrose) - translated from Latin as "primrose". The plant got its name because of the early flowering time: as soon as the snow melts, the first green leaves and buds appear. It received its international scientific name in 1762 and was entered in the register as "Primula vulgaris" by botanist W. Hudson.
Primula garden perennial, annual and biennial belongs to the genus Primrose.
The flowers are bright, funnel-shaped, 5-petalled, 1.5-5 cm in diameter. Collected in small inflorescences of 3-7 pieces, on a leafless stem 5-20 cm high.
The leaves are lanceolate, oblong-oval, soft to the touch, reminiscent of velvet fabric. Teeth along the edges of the leaf. The leaf plate is wrinkled, pubescent below, the color is saturated - green. Depending on the variety and growing conditions, the leaf is from 5 cm to 20 cm long, 2 cm to 5 cm wide.
The fibrous root system grows shallowly into the soil by 10-20 cm.
The natural habitat for primrose flowers is mountainous areas and forest edges, wet places with light organic soil rich in organic matter.
There are three types of plants that differ in color depending on the place of growth.
- Common primrose from Southern and Eastern Europe. The flowers are pale yellow to bright yellow in color.
- Common primrose from the Balearic Islands (Spain). The flowers are on a long stem, the petals are white (J. Forrest classification).
- Common primrose Sibthorpii. Flowers of various colors: from pink to red and purple.
In the wild, they are found in Ukraine (Carpathians), the European part of Russia and the Crimea, Central and Western Asia, North Africa, Western regions of Europe.
Varieties of perennial primrose
A complete classification of Primrose species has not yet been compiled, most botanists believe that there are more than 390 species. The most popular species for growing in perennial Primrose in summer cottages in Russia.
Name | Description | |
Primula Stemless (Common) | Low compact bushes, forming 3-5 flowers up to 3.5 cm in diameter on short petioles up to 15 cm. Frost resistance zone 6. | Cerulea, Danova Bicolor, Virginia, |
Primula Spring | The flowers are collected in umbrellas on a long stem up to 30 cm in height, in the form of tubules with a strong aroma. Frost resistance zone 5. | Cabrilla, Sunset Shades. |
Primrose Julia | Dwarf plant up to 10 cm in height with small flowers up to 3 cm in diameter. Frost resistance zone 5. | Sylvia, Lady Green, Purpurkissen. |
Primula Carpathian (high) | The flowers are small, up to 2 cm in diameter, collected in inflorescences on a long pedicel up to 35 cm. Frost resistance zone 5. | Gold Lace, Duplex. |
Primula Altai (cortusoid) | The inflorescences are on a high stem up to 30 cm, the leaves form curtains. The flowers are small, up to 2 cm. Frost resistance zone 3. | Primadent. |
Primula Ushkova | Compact small bushes up to 15 cm with bright two- or three-color flowers up to 4 cm in diameter. Frost resistance zone 3. | Susanna, Max, Nymph. |
Primula fine-toothed | The flowers are small, up to 2 cm in diameter, collected in dense inflorescences in large numbers, forming a ball. They are located on a long stem up to 35 cm, some specimens up to 50 cm. Frost resistance zone 5. | Lilac, Alba. |
Multiflora Primula | The flowers are large, sometimes up to 6 cm in diameter, collected in large racemes on a stem up to 30 cm tall. Frost resistance zone 6. | Francesca, Elizabeth Killelai. |
Mostly unpretentious varieties are planted in garden plots with a photo:
- "Virginia" - white petals with a yellow center.
- "Alba" - small white flowers are collected in inflorescences in the form of a ball.
- "Lady Green" - lemon-colored flowers with two large cloves on the petals.
- "Francesca" - wavy light green petals, the middle is bright yellow.
- "Sunset Shades" - bright flowers of red-yellow color.
- "Suzanne" is a terry variety with light pink petals and a yellow center.
- "Vanda" - blue-lilac flowers with a yellow center.
Garden primrose can be annual, biennial and perennial, so before choosing seedlings and seeds, you need to find out from the seller what type the variety belongs to, in what conditions it can be grown, how to properly plant and care for it. Then buy and plant in your garden plot.
The species diversity of the Perennial Primrose is combined into 17 sections, which include 2-5 types of flowers each.
Planting a perennial primrose
Planting and caring for a perennial primrose has its own characteristics and nuances. It is demanding on the choice of location and soil. Many varieties are highly drought tolerant and frost tolerant, but it is best to grow in a site with little shade during the day, without drafts, or close to buildings so that moisture is constantly retained in the soil. Depending on the variety and species to which it belongs, Primula is planted on the southeast or north side of the site.
Landing dates
Seedlings are planted in early spring from April to the end of May. The main condition for planting is warm soil up to 15 ° C. If planting takes place with seeds, then they are sown in open ground from mid-August to September or from the end of February.
You can transplant a primrose or divide the rhizomes from 2-3 years of the plant's life. The procedure is carried out in early spring.
Ground Requirements
Garden perennial primrose loves moist, light, well-drained soil. It is difficult to tolerate and almost does not bloom on heavy, clay soils, especially if groundwater is close. The soil should be slightly acidic or neutral, rich in organic fertilizers, light. Suitable land for Heather.
Before planting, the soil must be treated with manganese, disinfected from possible diseases. If the soil is poor, then it is diluted with compost, rotted manure, peat, sand, ash.
Planting primrose perennial seeds
Before planting seeds in open ground or at home, you need to stratify them in a hot or cold way. The cold method involves keeping the seeds in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks, after which the temperature is gradually increased, transferred to heat. The hot method involves dousing the seeds with boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then the water is drained and slightly dried on a paper towel. Stratification allows the seeds to wake up and sprout faster.
In room conditions, the most favorable time for sowing your own perennial primrose seeds is mid-August. They are sown in a large box with fertilized soil under the film, seedlings appear in 2-3 weeks.
In a greenhouse or greenhouse, sowing is carried out in February or early March. Seeds are scattered over the surface of the soil and sprinkled with wet soil mixture by 1-1.5 cm.
In open ground, spring sowing of perennial primrose is carried out when the soil has warmed up to 7-10 ° C. At this temperature, the seeds wake up faster and germinate within 2-4 weeks. The disadvantage of such sowing is that the seeds lose their germination capacity up to 30% per year. The sown seeds germinate faster in autumn, after 1.5-2 weeks, but it is worth considering that the plant gets stronger, it needs 1-1.5 months for growth, which means that there should be no frosts during this period. Accordingly, depending on the region, autumn plantings can turn into summer ones. In the Northern regions, seeds are sown in August. In the South - September, early October.
Planting a garden primrose perennial cuttings
It is advisable to carry out cuttings when the root system of a perennial primrose is poorly developed. To do this, the plant is dug up and the strongest, most healthy axillary shoot is selected, carefully cut off along with the bud, part of the shoot and the leaf, which will need to be shortened by 1/3 or ½ of the leaf. A longitudinal incision is made on the petiole so that it takes root faster and gives new leaves.
Planted in light soil under a jar or film, keeping a stable temperature (22-25 ° C) until the first sheets appear. After the appearance of a new leaf, the plant begins to adapt, first opening the film for a few minutes up to several hours, and after 1-1.5 weeks leaving it completely open. It can be transplanted into open ground when 4-6 leaves appear.
Perennial primrose care
Compliance with the agricultural practices of growing and caring for perennial primrose in the garden will allow you to save and quickly propagate the plant.
Watering and feeding
Watering is carried out around the bush, avoiding falling on the flowers and leaves of primrose. The soil around the flower should be constantly moist, but not flooded, so watering is carried out 2-3 times a week with warm water in the evening or morning.
If the soil is depleted, then the plant should be fed 3-4 times per season, with complex fertilizers or organic matter. In spring and autumn (the first and last top dressing), it is better to use complex fertilizers that will contain nitrogen, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, boron, and magnesium. During flowering, apply phosphorus-potassium fertilizer or rotted manure, litter, diluted in water.
pruning
Primula is a special plant that does not need pruning, except for faded flower stalks and damaged foliage. If you cut off healthy leaves from a garden primrose, then the rhizomes begin to die, the bush weakens and may not endure the winter cold. Leaves serve as a kind of shelter from bad weather and cold.
Preparing for winter
Most varieties are frost-resistant - up to -23 ° C or more, but varieties of hybrid breeding often require transplanting into containers and storing in a cool, dark place in winter. Simple varieties of perennial primrose are covered with fallen leaves from the garden, spruce branches or make air shelters-frames. The plant is covered after the first frosts in the southern regions, in the rest the shelter is made 1-2 weeks before them.
reproduction
Perennial primrose is propagated and planted in several ways, after which care does not differ from an adult plant.
- Reproduction by seeds. When buying seeds, you need to pay attention to the year of collection, because, annually, the germination of seeds deteriorates by 20-30%.
- Cuttings (rosettes). If in June - July, separate several outlets and plant them in open ground in partial shade, and make shelter for the winter, then next year in spring they can be planted in a permanent place and looked after as an adult plant.
- The division of rhizomes. You can divide the rhizomes in an adult, healthy plant (2-3 years old), if it has grown well. Pour warm water around the primrose bush, dig it in with a shovel and divide it so that each plot has rosettes and buds. Plant the Perennial Primrose in a prepared place and follow the rules of care.
Seeds, cuttings, plots should be taken only from a healthy plant, otherwise the new one will grow worse and get sick.
Diseases and pests
Perennial primrose, if the rules of planting and care are not followed, is susceptible to attack by pests and diseases:
- root rot;
- late blight;
- gray rot;
- rust;
- withering;
- spotting.
Most diseases are not treated, so the plant must be removed and burned so that it does not spread throughout the site. It is also often affected by various viruses and pests:
- aphids;
- nematodes;
- snails and slugs;
- weevils;
- bear.
If pests are found, they are sprayed with preparations: Aktara, Bi-58, Green soap, Spark.
Conclusion
Planting and caring for a perennial primrose implies careful observance of agricultural technology. Planting flower beds with a variety of types of flowers, you need to consider the compatibility of plants. Also, by combining different varieties of primrose, you can grow an unusual flower bed.
Primroses, or primroses (Primula) are one of the first flowers that open spring, accompany it, and then connect it with summer. Interest in primroses does not fade away, so every new season we are sure to talk about them.
Today you rarely see a cottage without primroses. Most often, it all starts with a single plant donated by March 8th. And then the desire to plant these beautiful flowers in the garden (and as many different varieties as possible!) Becomes obsessive. Flower after flower, more and more new primroses settle in your dacha, and gradually you become a candidate for primrose collectors, and then, perhaps, for breeders.
After all, if you have several primroses, you can hardly resist the temptation to try to create a personal variety. Moreover, this is not at all difficult to do (the entire hybridization process is described in the article).
In Russia, primroses, according to garden statistics, are the most grown perennials from seeds! Every year, breeders create new varieties (which are often not registered, so they are nameless), worthy of taking a place in summer cottages. Such primroses are distributed through nurseries (for example, Calico Garden) and private traders.
We have true fans of primroses on our site, and among them is the editor -. More than one article on primroses was prepared by her with love for these flowers:
Primrose garden groups
There is currently no generally accepted classification of primroses; allocate up to 23 groups or sections; The world assortment includes 400 species and thousands of varieties.
On the left - a primrose in my lens, on the right - garden groups of primroses. A photo
The most simple and easy to use classification of primroses of the Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain (The Royal Horticultural Society), which distinguishes only 3 garden groups.
Group 1: candelabra-shaped, or tiered primroses
It includes: primrose Bis, p. Bulley, p. Japanese, their hybrids and varieties.Primula Bisa, or Primrose Bisa
Primula Bisa (Primula beesiana syn. P. bulleyana)- deciduous or semi-evergreen rosette perennial up to 60 cm high and wide. It comes from the humid mountainous regions of China.
The leaves are large, up to 22 cm long. The flowers are small, up to 2 cm in diameter, white, yellow-orange, red-pink, collected by 8-16; bloom in summer. Cultivation group 2 (we will talk in detail about the gradation on this basis a little later).
Primula Bulley, or Bulley's primrose
Primula bulleyana (Primula bulleyana)- height and width up to 60 cm. Leaves up to 30 cm.
Cream to orange flowers, clustered in clusters of 5 in 5-7 cymes, bloom in summer. She is also from China, from the slopes of the mountains. Cultivation group 2.
Japanese primrose, or Japanese primrose
Japanese primrose (Primula japonica)- native to the humid regions of Japan.
Height and width about 45 cm. Leaves up to 25 cm. Flowers up to 2 cm in diameter, from red-purple to white, 5-25 pieces in 1-6 curls; bloom in late spring - summer. Cultivation group 2.
Group 2: auricula, or ear-shaped primroses
This group includes: ear primrose (Primula auricula) with thick bluish pubescent leaves (shaped like an auricle) and inflorescences of bright and pastel flowers, n. hairy (P. hirsuta), their numerous varieties and series.Let us dwell only on larger gradations - three subgroups of primrose auricles:
1."Alpines" (Alpine)- flowers of a single color (light on the edge, more saturated in the middle).
Among them, there are 2 more sub-subgroups:
- with a golden center and red, brown, orange petals;
- with a cream or white center and cream, purple or blue petals.
Primula from the "Alpine" category. Photo courtesy barnhaven.com
2. "Borders" (border, or flower beds)- more powerful than the previous ones: peduncles are strong, flowers of bright colors are collected in large inflorescences, resistant to rain. Luxurious primroses for spring flower beds.
Primrose from the "Borders" category, cultivar "Viennese Waltz". Photo courtesy of chilternseeds.co.uk
3. "Shows" (exhibition)- mostly potted. The most capricious auricles.
Primrose from the "Shows" category, variety "Slioch". Photo courtesy of ashwoodnurseries.com
Cultivation groups of primrose auriculum: 1, 2 or 5.
It is interesting:
In the UK, where the auricular primrose has been cultivated for over 400 years and is loved for its beauty and endurance, there is the Royal Society of Primrose Auricula Fanciers. The British made them a collector's item, and even part of the British historical heritage. The best collections of auricles belonged to the kings, and the presence of rare varieties in the possession of the courtiers automatically increased the status of their owner. Due to the value of mealy plaque (farinas), in the rainy climate of foggy Albion, they are grown under a canopy or in cold greenhouses.
Primrose hairy, or hairy primrose
Primula hairy (Primula hirsuta, syn. P. rubra)- a fairly compact evergreen primrose native to the Pyrenees, the Alps.
Up to 10 cm high, grows up to 25 cm in width. A spectacular rosette of leaves, each of which is up to 8 cm long. The flowers are saucer-shaped, mauve, with a white eye; 1.5-2.5 cm in diameter, collected in umbellate inflorescences up to 15 pieces; bloom in late spring - early summer. Culture groups 1, 2 or 4.
Group 3: primrose-polyanthus primroses
This group includes 2 subgroups:1. Polyanthus primroses. These are complex hybrids with flowers of various colors, which are called so - polyanthus, many-flowered or Victorian primroses ( Primula Polyanthus Group). Plus high primrose hybrids ( Primula elatior Hybrids). Culture groups 1, 2, 4, or 6.
On the left is a primrose from the polyanthus group in my lens, on the right is a primrose variety of the high Crescendo series. Photo from russellwholesale.com
2. This subgroup of primroses includes: common primrose, n. Julia, n. spring, their varieties.
Spring primrose, or spring primrose
Spring primrose (Primula veris)- This is a plant of dry forest lawns, edges of deciduous forests, birch forests of Central and Southern Europe. Very variable (changeable) appearance.
It is up to 25 cm high and wide. The leaves are petiolate, wrinkled, up to 20 cm long. The flowers are bright yellow, with an orange eye, 1-1.5 cm in diameter, fragrant, collected from 2 to 16 in one-sided umbrellas on high peduncles (10 -30 cm); bloom in April-May. There are garden forms with flowers of red, cream and other colors, bicolor and terry. Cultivation group 1 or 2. Suitable for decorating the most uncomfortable spring corners of cottages. Prefers calcareous soils.
The seasonal or phenological gradation of primroses is interesting, which can be divided into 3 large groups according to the time of flowering.
Early flowering primroses
Flowering begins in March and ends in May. The very first of them to bloom are high primrose, p. Julia and p. pink.Primrose Julia, or Primrose Julia
Primula Julia (Primula juliae) miniature and charming, 7 cm high, up to 25 cm wide. She comes from Eastern Transcaucasia.
Primula Julia grade "Theodora"
The leaves are ovate-rounded, large-sized along the edge, up to 10 cm long. The flowers are purple-lilac, purple, with a yellow eye, up to 3 cm in diameter, arranged 1 on thin pedicels; there is a white-flowered form. Cultivation group 1, 2, or 4. With a lack of moisture, sheds leaves. Suitable for use as a groundcover.
Primrose pink, or pink primrose
Primula pink (Primula rosea)- deciduous rosette perennial native to Afghanistan, Nepal.
Height and width up to 20 cm; leaves up to 20 cm long, young - bronze-red. The flowers are pink-red, with a yellow eye, up to 2.5 cm in diameter, collected 4-12 in umbellate inflorescences. Cultivation group 2.
You can find a large assortment of primroses of various types and varieties in our catalog, which combines the offers of various garden online stores. .
- a welcome guest of many gardens. With proper planting, skillful cultivation, reproduction and care from early spring in the open field, a bright carpet will spread on your site. Make it from varieties of different shades that this primrose is rich in.
Description of primrose: varieties and varieties
Herald of spring, the first plant of the garden is primrose. Planting and caring for it require knowledge and skills, since different varieties have different requirements. In total, primrose has about 500 species, not counting varieties and hybrids. They are classified in different ways, highlighting sections and groups.
Of all the variety in landscape design, the following primroses are most often used:
- high - grows up to 30 cm;
- fine-toothed - with an inflorescence in the form of a ball;
- polyanthus - with corrugated leaves.
The palette of shades of primrose is very diverse: white-yellow, blue-yellow, raspberry-yellow, etc.
Planting a plant
The best place for primrose is a shady area. But some alpine species do well in full sun. The soil should be acidic or slightly alkaline. In heavy soil, you need to add sand and organic matter.
The hole should be watered before planting. Depending on the size of the variety, the distance between the bushes is from 15 to 30 cm. There should be no gaps between the sockets. The soil near the plant is compacted and watered.
Advice. Plant primrose in cool cloudy weather. The plant should not be flowering.
plant care
The soil around the primrose should be wet all the time. Watering frequency - 2 times a week, on hot days - more. Avoid getting moisture on the leaves. Make sure that the water does not stagnate: primrose can rot.
Before wintering, the soil should be dry. The plant itself is covered with leaves in the fall, with a layer of at least 10 cm. If the roots of the primrose are slightly exposed, add earth. Remove weeds and loosen the soil regularly.
Attention! Study the properties of the species you want to grow. This will depend on the features of planting and care.
Fertilizer and top dressing of primrose
During the dormant period, when the primrose does not bloom, it is not necessary to apply fertilizer. Feed plants 2-3 times per season:
- In early spring - a mineral complex.
- In June, use organic.
- In August, add ammonium nitrate.
The last top dressing can be replaced with superphosphate and potassium. It is believed that they increase the winter hardiness of primroses. For 10 liters of water, take 20 g of superphosphate and 15 g of potassium. You can use these fertilizers during other top dressings.
Primrose breeding
This perennial primrose is usually bred using seeds, rosettes or dividing the bush.
Reproduction by rosettes(cutting). In May-June, cut rosettes with pieces of root and land on a shaded bed. Root them in their permanent location next spring.
Reproduction by dividing the bush. It is required in early spring or summer for 3-5 years of primrose's life, since by this time the bush usually grows. The root must be divided into parts with rosettes or buds. Before transplanting, the bush needs watering. Do not allow it to dry out during the entire procedure.
Reproduction by seeds. The most difficult way, requiring knowledge and skills. Primrose is sown in open ground:
- spring. In February, seedlings are planted in a greenhouse, they are transferred to the site when the snow melts;
- summer. Seeds are planted immediately after they ripen in boxes. When planting and leaving during this period, it is important to monitor a sufficient amount of moisture;
- in October-December. Podzimny sowing is considered the most effective.
Advice. If you sow primrose for seedlings, first soak the seeds in the cold. When sowing directly in open ground, this can often be dispensed with, but it all depends on the variety.
Diseases and pests
One of the disadvantages of this primrose is its susceptibility to numerous diseases. Most often, primrose suffers from:
Of the pests, primrose is annoyed by:
Advice. If any diseases and pests are found, it is better not just to remove the damaged plants, but to burn them. Preventive care of the remaining bushes consists in treating them with a solution of copper sulfate or Bordeaux liquid.
Perennial primrose: combination with other plants
This primrose looks good under tall shrubs. Harmonious in combination with, ferns, geyher. A good company for him is dwarf conifers. You can create a picturesque ensemble of primrose and marigold, soapwort (saponaria), ornamental grasses.
This plant gets along well with other primroses. Gets along well with, Muscari,. When planting, you can experiment with colors, for example, combine pink primrose with purple leaves of weigela or barberry. Yellow or orange flowers are well set off by a nearby geyhera, for example, the Caramel variety.
Primula perennial in landscape design
Due to its brightness and color diversity, perennial primrose is actively used in landscape design. By combining different varieties, you can create a beautiful bright flower bed. It will bloom from April until the end of summer. Decorate the lawn with these primroses, or.
You can decorate ponds with primrose, creating small, neat compositions. Landscape design experts recommend planting a plant along garden paths and in flower beds (narrow rectangular flower beds), near fences and fences. Often this primrose is grown not only in open ground, but also in flowerpots or containers. They are placed at the gazebos, near the entrance, etc.
Having planted a primrose, you will no longer be able to imagine your site without this magnificent primrose. A huge selection of varieties and colors will awaken your imagination and desire to create, inspiring you to create unique compositions in your garden.
Primrose in the garden: video
Varieties of perennial primrose: photo
