Primula is a genus with over 500 species and numerous hybrids, divided into 30+ sections.

Primulas all have flowers with 5 rounded petals like our own primrose Primula vulgaris. The cowslips, Primula elatior, flowers in simple umbels and the candelabras in rising tiers of umbels.

European Primulas

• These plant s are hardy and most will succeed in any well drained gritty soil with plenty of humus.
• All are spring flowering except Primula auricula, marginata, rubra and viscosa.
• Although most like an open sunny position care must be taken to avoid drying out in too much sunshine.
• With only a few exceptions the Primulas tolerate or even welcome lime.
• Some varieties die back to a resting bud during summer.

Asiatic Primulas

• Many of the candelabras are Asiatic in origin and grow strongly often  reaching 18-24″ tall.
• In addition to well drained gritty soil with plenty of humus, they like a cool half shady position.
• These Primulas tend to grow well in the north of England and Scotland.
• The rosette forming plants are beautiful but some of the smaller species have exacting requirements.
• The need to cover some rosettes through winter make these Primulas good alpine house plants.

American Primulas

• North America is the third region  for wild Primulas and the sparsest for varieties.
• Primula angustifolia from the Rocky Mountains is small and mat forming. They are very suitable for pots in the alpine house.
• Pans of Primula ellisiae need plenty of water during the growing season.
• Primula suffrutescens is almost shrubby but is not hard to grow in sandy scree.

Links and Resources

• The National Primula and Auricula Society
• Primula World
• Primula flower shows
• American Primrose Society
• Primrose Gallery
• Danish Primula Society
• Pop’s Plants holders of 4 national Collections of Primula Auriculas
• More Primula seeds from Thompson & Morgan

Books

Primula A J Richards

Auriculas for Everyone
Mary A. Robinson.
GMC Publications.
ISBN 1-86108-149-9
£14.50 plus £2.50 p&p

Auriculas
G.Baker & P.Ward
B.T.Batsford Ltd.
ISBN 0-7134-7366-5

The Auricula: History, Cultivation and Varieties Allan Guest

Auriculas – Their Care and Cultivation
B.Hyatt Cassell, London.
ISBN 0-304-34070-7

See also Vitaliane primuliflora