Plant Pick for January 2010

Primrose

Primroses or Primula are perennial bedding plants more often grown as annuals. The 3 types most often seen are Primula acaulis and polyantha (English Primrose), Primula obconica (Florist’s Primrose), and Primula malacoides (Fairy Primrose). These colorful winter bloomers will take full sun in cool coastal areas but require part shade more inland where it is hot. Plant in soil enriched with organic matter or potting soil. Average water is required. Feed with a liquid bloom formula while in flower such as Maxsea 3-20-20. If the nitrogen content of the fertilizer ( first number on the package) is too high, the leaves will overshadow the flowers. Regular “deadheading” will keep these bright and pretty plants blooming well into spring.

English Primrose are ideal for massing, planting with bulbs and growing in pots. There are many different strains available such as Pacific Giants whose flower stalks reach 1 foot and Danova whose flowers are held closer to the plant. Flowers are brilliantly hued in every color of the rainbow. Some are two toned and others have a distinctive gold or yellow margin around each petal. They have a sweet scent, especially the yellow and apricot colors.

Florist Primrose come in pastel shades of blue, pink, salmon, rose and white. Flowers are held above round light green leaves. They can be used as flowering houseplants in cooler, well lit rooms but are just as happy outside. They are nearly everblooming in cool summer areas! Some people find that the foliage can irritate their skin. The Freedom and Libre selections do not have the little irritating hairs on the leaves.

Fairy Primrose have rounded, scalloped leaves. The tiny blossoms are held in tiered whorls on tall stems. Choose from white, rose, pink, and lavender. They are ideal for containers.