Primrose or primrose is a perennial plant that is one of the first to bloom very beautifully in the spring. The leaves of the plant are whole and grow directly from the roots. The flowers have five petals, the colors differ depending on the variety. Currently, about 400 species and many varieties are known.
- 1. Ordinary. The most common species, in nature it grows in alpine meadows and forest edges. The height of the plant is up to 20 cm. The petals can be of different colors, the middle is always yellow. Varieties:
- Cerulea - blue petals;
- Daniella – large white flowers;
- Virginia - white flowers.
- 2. High. Flowers on long stems are collected in groups of 10-15 pieces. The leaves are oval-shaped with a serrated edge. The height of primrose can reach up to 35 cm. Varieties:
- Goldgrand - brown petals with a golden border;
- Francesca - light green double petals with a yellow center;
- Rosea has bright pink petals with a yellow center.
- 3. Siebold. Unusual view, which blooms in June and then sheds its leaves. Varieties:
- Pink – pink petals;
- Lilac – soft purple color.
- 4. Spring or medicinal. Flowers can be simple or double. In nature, only yellow colors are found; hybrids of different shades are grown in garden plots. Varieties:
- Rowallan Rose - white petals with a pink center;
- Twilly – lilac color;
- Bulessiana - bright orange petals.
- 5. Julia. Height 10-15 cm. The flowers are purple with a yellow center.
- 6. Serrated. The flowers are located on a high stem in the shape of a ball. Varieties:
- Deep Blue – blue color;
- Lilac - purple petals;
- Alba – white color.
- 7. Ear. The flowers resemble roses, and some varieties have two-color petals. Varieties:
- Blue Wave - blue petals with a yellow eye;
- Zambia – double burgundy flowers;
- Gigantea is purple in color with a yellow center.
- 1. Seeds. Each flower produces a seed capsule in the fall. They quickly lose their viability, so it is better to plant them in the year of collection.
- 2. By dividing the bush. This plant has a compact size, but over time it grows in breadth. Because of this, the flowers become smaller and their number decreases. Therefore, it is recommended to divide the bushes every four years.
- 3. Leaf cuttings. If the plant has a weak root system, then it is better to propagate it by cuttings. It is necessary to cut off a leaf with part of the shoot from the bush. Half of the leaf plate should be cut off. The resulting material is planted in the soil mixture. It is covered with a jar or polyethylene and placed in a lighted place. In the spring, after the leaves appear, you can plant the plant in the ground.
- 1. Aphids. It is easily recognized by the black dots on back side leaves. You can get rid of it with special solutions or spraying with soapy water.
- 2. Nematode. This is a worm that climbs into the stems of plants and feeds on their juices. Damaged plants must be destroyed.
- 3. Spider mite. This pest leaves a barely noticeable white web. To get rid of it, you need to spray the plant with a special product.
- 4. Slugs. They feed on leaves. You can collect all the slugs and destroy them, or wait until winter and they will die on their own. Flowerbeds should be dug up to prevent pests from returning.
- 5. Bugs. Various beetles can feed on the leaves and stems of primrose. In garden stores you can find various drugs to combat them.
- 1. Ramularia fungus. Gray spots with a brown border appear on the leaves at the end of spring. It is necessary to destroy the affected parts and treat the bushes with disinfectants.
- 2. Rust. Rusty spots begin to appear on the leaves. You need to remove them and spray the bushes with special solutions.
- 3. Powdery mildew. Appears on the leaves white coating. It is necessary to remove all affected parts and spray the plant with special means. It is best to dig it up and replant it so as not to infect other flowers.
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Types and varieties of flowers
There are many groups and varieties of primrose found in nature. But only some of them are grown in the garden. The most common types and varieties of primroses:
Plant propagation
Perennial primrose can reproduce in several ways:
Seeds are sown for seedlings in February. Garden soil mixed with sand and humus is suitable for planting.
The seeds are distributed over the surface and lightly pressed. The box is placed in a plastic bag and placed in the freezer.
After a month, you can take out the box and put it on the windowsill. The soil is watered and should always remain moist. After germination, the polyethylene can be removed. Optimal temperature for seed germination +16-18 degrees.
After 1-2 pairs of leaves appear, the sprouts are dropped into separate glasses. As it grows, it is transplanted into freer containers. Since perennial primrose grows slowly, seeds should be planted one to two years before planting them in the ground.
This is usually done at the end of August - beginning of September. The bush is watered, dug up, and the soil is shaken off from the roots. Using a sharp knife, divide the primrose into parts and sprinkle the sections with ash. New bushes are immediately planted in the ground.
Planting and care
It is best to plant primrose in the ground in the second year of life in May.
However, each gardener decides when to plant a plant; for some, it is more convenient to do it in the fall. Primrose should be planted in shaded areas away from direct sunlight. Most often it is planted around shrubs or trees.
It is best to choose a place for planting with light soil, where moisture does not stagnate, but at the same time there is no drought. The soil should be well drained and loose. If the soil on the site is heavy, you can add sand and sphagnum moss to it.
Compact varieties of primrose are planted at a distance of 10 cm, larger varieties - at 20 cm. This plant does not like open spaces, so it is better to place it in a continuous carpet, without leaving empty areas.
Perennial primrose blooms in the second or third year of life. The duration of flowering depends on the variety. The bushes usually bloom for one to two months in the spring and may bloom again in the fall.
The soil should always remain moist. Watering should not be too rare or too frequent. After these procedures, it is best to loosen the soil.
It is necessary to remove weeds in a timely manner so that they do not interfere with the growth of the plant. You also need to monitor neighboring flowers and remove diseased plants in time so that they do not infect the primrose.
Caring for garden primrose is not difficult. The main thing is to water it on time and avoid exposure to bright sun. In dry summers it is necessary to make watering more frequent.
To accelerate growth and obtain abundant flowering, you can feed plants with mineral fertilizers. You can purchase ready-made complexes and add them to the soil weekly during the flowering period. Primrose especially loves phosphorus and potassium fertilizers; growing it when using them does not cause any trouble.
Primrose transplantation involves dividing the bushes in the fourth year of life. They grow excessively, and the flowers become smaller, so it is recommended to divide and plant them. This will provide additional planting material and renew the flower beds.
After flowering, you should remove all wilted flowers, loosen the soil and leave the primrose until spring. Leaves should not be trimmed in autumn, as they protect the roots from frost. In spring, last year's leaves should be removed after new ones appear.
In the northern regions it is necessary to cover primroses for the winter. You can put spruce branches, dry leaves, and straw on top. The thickness of the shelter should be 7-10 cm. In areas with warm winters You don’t have to cover the primrose. In spring, you need to ensure that the water from the melting snow drains freely and does not stagnate, otherwise the flowers may rot.
Diseases and pests
Like all plants in the garden, primrose is susceptible to diseases and pests. The planted bush must be protected from pests that can move from other beds or weeds.
The most common pests:
But most often primrose is affected by diseases. The most common of them:
Perennial garden primrose proper care doesn't get sick often. Caring for it is easy, and most often it does not cause any problems for gardeners. Therefore, it is suitable for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
Primroses are very flexible and easily adapt to the various conditions of our dachas. Having analyzed all the given types according to cultivation groups , we have identified those that are the most unpretentious to growing conditions, as well as those that love water and those that are indifferent to it.
It was much more difficult to choose the first beauties among the primroses and find rare species, but we did it.
The most beautiful primroses
First of all, these are modern large-flowered primroses of hybrid origin. There are already so many of them that they can satisfy a wide variety of preferences of summer residents. Today, primroses with unusual colors, interesting shapes of flowers, petals and double varieties remain in the ranking of the most beautiful flowers. Among them is the green beauty, the star of European fashion, the hybrid primrose ‘Francesca’.
Green auricles are very impressive.
A luxurious auricula of terracotta color with a yellow eye, growing from a user of the Rozmarinka website (tasha1974).
The ‘Chic in Yellow’ variety is wonderful.
It will look spectacular with the contrasting purple variety ‘Chic in Blue’.
Among the pastel-colored primroses, the most luxurious variety is Primula polyanthus ‘Desert Sunset’.
Red primroses are especially spectacular in flower beds. Meet one of the varieties of polyanthus primroses from the Ramona series.
And this is a rare variety of the Gold Lace Scarlet series.
Terry primroses are amazing. Site user Zinaida Fedorova keeps the varieties ‘Rosanna Belaya’ and ‘Rosanna Apricotovaya’.
Presentation of the most beautiful varieties primroses can be continued ad infinitum. They are all so different and interesting in their own way that we will talk about them more than once on the site, admiring their beauty captured in photographs. And I am sure that for each of us, primroses growing in our own dacha will be the best of the best, the most beautiful of the beautiful.
The most unpretentious primroses
Among them, the first place is taken by the common primrose (with a string of garden forms, hybrids, varieties of the most varied flower colors: white, pink, yellow, red, lilac, dark blue), then the small one and the toothed one.
Primula vulgaris, or common primrose, stemless
Common primrose, or stemless (P. vulgaris, syn. P. acaulis) comes from Southern and Central Europe; found in southern regions the European part of Russia, the Caucasus, and Crimea.
It is a rosette evergreen (or semi-evergreen) perennial up to 20 cm high and up to 35 cm wide. The leaves are lanceolate, up to 25 cm long. The flowers are light yellow (less often white), with a purple eye, solitary (less often 2), with a diameter of 2-4 cm, petals are wide, divided into 2 lobes, peduncles 6-20 cm high.
During the flowering period, no leaves are visible; the plant is a “blooming tussock.” Here (in Crimea) they bloom early: from February. Sometimes re-blooming is observed in September. Cultivation group 2.
Some botanists believe that the common primrose is a composite species, usually with pink-crimson flowers. Grows everywhere in forests and old parks; lives in culture for no more than 2 years. Under natural conditions, it is also short-lived and migrates.
In central Russia and a little to the north, the small primrose is quite stable.
Small primrose or small primrose
Small primrose (Primula minima) - native to the Alps, Balkans, a dwarf evergreen perennial, still rare in cultivation, 7 cm high and up to 20 cm wide, leaves 3 cm long. Flowers bloom in late spring, in May-June. Culture group 2 or 4; withstands temperatures down to -29°C in winter.
Primula serrata, or fine-toothed
Primula denticulata, or fine-toothed, “drum stick” (Primula denticulata, syn. P. elata) is a strong rosette deciduous perennial.
Leaves are up to 25 cm long. Flowers (white, pink, lilac) are tubular, up to 2 cm in diameter, collected in a spherical dense umbrella; bloom from mid-spring to summer. Cultivation group 1 or 2.
Rare primroses in cultivation
Primula Voronova
Primula Voronowii (Primula woronowii) comes from the Western and Eastern Caucasus. The leaves are petiolate, obovate, notched-toothed along the edge. The top of the leaf blade is covered with small hairs, the underside is densely pubescent, especially along the veins.
The flowers are light lilac, 3 cm in diameter, solitary, on thin, densely hairy pedicels 5-6 cm high, petals obversely heart-shaped, with small yellow spots at the base; bloom from the second half of April, within 25-30 days. Prefers semi-shaded places in summer cottages with drained soils; In illuminated areas, flowering is not so abundant.
Primula Vialya, or Vial's primrose
Primula Vial, or orchid primrose (Primula vialii) is a rosette deciduous perennial, often behaving like an annual. A capricious, extravagant beauty originally from the mountainous regions of China.
Its parameters: height 30-60 cm, width up to 30 cm. Leaves up to 30 cm long. Flowers are tubular, blue-violet (before blooming they are even brighter, thanks to the red calyxes), 1 cm in diameter, collected in a spike-shaped inflorescence up to 15 cm long cm; bloom in summer. Cultivation group 2. Overwinters with shelter.
Rare primroses
A real rarity for damp places in rockeries is the deciduous primrose, which seems to be covered with a patina.
Primrose deciduous, or primrose deciduous
Deciduous primrose (Primula frondosa) is a rosette deciduous perennial native to Bulgaria, 15 cm high, 25 cm wide.
Leaves up to 10 cm long are light green, with a white coating. Flowers (light pink, red-purple) up to 1.5 cm in diameter, collected in elegant umbrellas of up to 30 pieces; bloom in late spring - early summer (in the south in February-March). Cultivation group 2 or 4.
Among the primroses, the Gold Laced high primrose variety series, which is more than 200 years old, can be considered a real antique! The varieties included in it were especially popular in early XIX V. Today they are again at the zenith of their glory.
What’s most interesting: they are still assessed using the criteria established by the American National Primrose Society in 1843!
Even at the beginning of the 19th century, Dutch varieties of primroses with velvety flowers and English “mealy” varieties, which were so named because their stems, leaves and flowers were covered with a delicate powdery coating, were valued.
Primrose ‘Russian Mother of Pearl’ has become a real favorite among the ancient varieties. The name of the variety reflects its uniqueness - the ability to change color as it blooms from pink, lilac to almost white. In the conditions of central Russia, the variety is winter-hardy.
The above-mentioned pink primrose, P. Florinda, P. Sikkimskaya and their varieties are true fans of wet swampy places.
The most drought-resistant primroses
Primroses have great ecological plasticity: in addition to real lovers of moisture, there are also real drought-resistant ascetics among them - the tall primrose is considered the most hardy. The Japanese primrose, which we discussed above, is quite tolerant of water.
Primrose tall, or primrose tall
Primrose (Primula elatior) is a very variable (changeable) rosette evergreen (or semi-evergreen) perennial 30 cm high and 25 cm wide. Native to Southern and Central Europe; in nature it can be found in Turkey, the Altai mountains, and Siberia. The species itself is rare in culture, and numerous hybrids and varieties are grown.
The leaves are small, wrinkled, elliptical in shape, 5-20 cm long. The edge of the leaf blade is finely toothed, the base sharply tapers into a winged petiole. Flowers (light yellow, with a darker spot at the base of the petals) up to 2 cm in diameter, with a delicate aroma, collected 5-15 in an umbrella-shaped inflorescence, peduncle 10-35 cm high; bloom from late April to June. This species has produced many hybrids (with vernal n. and vulgaris) with various flower colors: white, yellow, pink, red, lilac. Cultivation group 1 or 2. Cut inflorescences stand in water for a long time.
So my third story about primroses has come to an end. Preparing the material took quite a long time, which I didn’t regret for a minute - it was a kind of immersion into a wonderful world primrose , who gave me a month of joy in knowing them.
From the history:
Among the many beautiful plants, people have long identified primroses. They did not get lost among the bright splendor of roses. peonies, tulips, gladioli and other equally striking plants. This is surprising when you remember that most primroses are small, modest plants with small flowers. They probably attracted a person’s attention with their early flowering, when the heart, yearning for the long autumn and winter, yearns to meet spring, with the rebirth of life. This is where these delicate golden-yellow flowers appear, coloring the meadow, corners of the park and garden. And although there are other plants that bloom before primroses, it is primroses that have the name “primrose” - the first to bloom. People also call them “rams” (young leaves, wavy and pubescent, similar to the backs of lambs), “keys” (flowers are collected in an inflorescence that resembles a bunch of keys).
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Primula ‘Tie Dye’ Photo by Dubova Galina |
 Primula ‘Captain Blood’ Photo by Dubova Galina |
 Primula ‘Francesca’ Photo by Dubova Galina |
 Primula juliae ‘Sneeuwwitji’ Photo by Dubova Galina |
 Primula acaulis ser. "Daniella" F1 Photo by Dubova Galina |
 Primula "Rowallan Rose" Photo by Mikhail Polotnov |
 Primula cardifolia Photo by Kirill Tkachenko |
 Primula chungensis Photo by Kirill Tkachenko |
 Primula twilly Photo by Kirill Tkachenko |
Primrose was known in ancient times and was considered the medicinal flower of Olympus: it was called dodecatheon (flower of the 12 gods) and was believed to be a cure for all ailments. One of the first spring flowers, the primrose looks like a bunch of golden keys; according to the Old Norse sagas, these are the keys of the fertility goddess Freya, with which she opens spring. According to another legend, these are the sprouted keys to heaven, which St. Peter dropped it to the ground. In some areas Germany- these are the keys of marriage; Even in the times of the Celts and Gauls, primrose was part of the love potion. By Danish According to legends, the elves turned their princess into a primrose when she fell in love with a mere mortal. By ancient Greek According to legend, the primrose arose from the body of the young man Paralysos who died of love, whom the gods, out of compassion, turned into a fragrant flower; Therefore, it was believed that it could cure paralysis, and in medicine until recently it was called the paralysis herb. The miraculous power of the primrose covered many areas: in Piedmont it was believed that it protects from devilish obsessions, drives away demons, makes the bones of innocently dead people crawl out of the ground; V Germany the magical property of tear-grass was attributed to him - to open treasures; V Little Russia it was a talisman protecting life; V England it was a magical flower in which tiny fairies and gnomes live. It is the primrose in Switzerland considered a symbol of happiness, an emblem of love for the motherland.
Primula florindae X waltonii
Photo by Mikhail Polotnov
Primrose enjoys special affection from the English; During the development of Australia, the shipment of primroses to the British who went there assumed extraordinary proportions. In England there are several clubs for lovers of Primrose auricula only, not to mention other species. Auricula are the most popular primroses in England. If in 1597 only a few varieties of this species were grown there, then in 1629 it was already described big number their. Like tulip mania in Holland, England was struck by auriculomania. New varieties of primrose auricula were grown everywhere by both very rich and poor people. Primroses, especially auricula, have become a favorite national flower. In the 17th - 19th centuries, a huge number of their varieties, including terry ones, were obtained in the country. The varieties bred over 350 years ago were called Florist Flowers. They were planted according to certain rules and established standards. However, to end of the 19th century centuries, these rules have lost popularity. During the period of the First and Second World Wars, people had no time for flowers, and collections were preserved only in associations of primrose lovers.
But since 1945, a revival of the culture of primroses in general and auricula in particular began. In modern England, primrose exhibitions are held annually, where both new and preserved ancient varieties are demonstrated. There is something to show and see. Amazing gray, green, orange, red, two-tone and terry, as if sprinkled with chalk - these auricles never cease to delight and surprise. In general, primroses began to be grown in gardens already in the middle of the 16th century. They successfully competed in Europe with lush carnations. They were depicted in paintings and dishes.
Primula x hybr "Francesca"
Photo of Elena Solovyova
The healing power of spring primrose has long been known among the people: in Germany, dried flowers were used as a nerve-strengthening tea and mixed with wine; in England, young leaves are eaten in the spring as a salad, and the roots are used as a spice; in Rus' it was considered a flower of vigor and health. Flower arrows were eaten; diaphoretic and soothing decoctions and ointments for eczema were prepared from the leaves and flowers; powder from dry leaves was used to treat scurvy; Consumption and fever were treated by boiling the roots in milk. One primrose leaf replenishes daily requirement the body in vitamin C, which makes it an indispensable remedy for exhaustion and anemia.
Description: The genus primrose, or primrose (Primula L.), is one of the most numerous genera of plants in the world flora. According to various authors, there are from 400 to 550 species of these plants in nature. Moreover, scientists are still discovering new species of primroses. Most of them (about 300 species) grow in Asia, the Himalayas and western China. Only 33 species grow in Europe, and 20 species grow in North America. Only a few species are found in Africa, South America, in Arabia and one species (imperial primrose - Primula imperialis) - on the island of Java.
Primula maximowiczii
Photo by Mikhail Polotnov
Many primroses in nature grow in damp places - along the banks of mountain streams and streams, in wet meadows. For example, the Florinda primrose can be found in Tibet, near watercourses at an altitude of about 4000 m, and the fine-toothed primrose can be found in the alpine meadows of the Himalayas at an altitude of 2300-4300 m. The popular primrose auricula (eared) comes from the mountains of southern and central Europe, where it lives in cracks rocks, between stones, rising to a height of over 2000 m. Wet meadows, banks of streams and streams are favorite places for the beautiful Bulley primrose, growing in China at an altitude of about 3000 m. The Japanese primrose lives in the mountain valleys of the Kuril Islands and Japan. As you can see, baby primroses live and thrive in such harsh conditions where other, larger plants cannot grow. Mountains are a kind of pedestal that raises primroses high above other plants. Some of them grow near snowfields, in very specific environmental conditions. Such species are difficult, and often impossible, to grow in flower beds. In general, plant lovers have long noticed: the most beautiful mountain primroses cannot be grown in gardens. Even if some species grow in culture, they turn out to be short-lived. However, to the delight of gardeners, there are many species that can be cultivated without much difficulty. In general, about 200 species of primroses are now grown in the world, i.e. a third of all known.
Primula x hybr "Russian pearlescent"
Photo by Mikhail Polotnov
The introduction of beautiful Asian primroses (Japanese, fine-toothed, Bulley, Sikkimese, etc.) into ornamental gardening in Europe is associated with the names of famous plant lovers G. Forrest, G. Sherriff, F. Ludlow, F. Ward. The latter introduced 66 new species of primroses into culture.
Primulas are spring-flowering plants, but among them there are also summer-flowering ones, for example, Bis, Florinda, and Bulley primroses. They differ in the color of the flowers, the shape and size of the leaves. In some species the flowers are solitary, in others they are collected in various inflorescences. For example, the amazing Vial primrose has a pyramidal inflorescence with lilac buds that turn into red flowers. The Himalayan primrose fine-toothed flowers are collected in inflorescences-balls of white, lilac color.
Breeders also make their contribution to increasing the diversity of primroses. To date, thousands of varieties have been bred, surprising in color, sometimes two- and three-color, and even double flowers. Particular attention is paid to the selection of auricular primrose (auricula), the variety of colors of which seems to have surpassed all possible dreams of flower growers. Among them there are even varieties with gray and green petals! The pride of flower growers are varieties whose petals are “shaded” in different colors and even “powdered.”
Some types of primroses have long been grown indoors as a potted crop. Nowadays in this
Numerous modern varieties of common primrose play a role. Planted in small containers or baskets, they are especially readily sold out before the New Year and the 8th of March holiday. Bright, cheerful and at the same time, like all spring flowers, delicate, primroses do not get lost against the background of traditional bouquets of roses, gerberas, and chrysanthemums.
IN landscape design Primroses have long been one of the most beloved plants. Some believe that, unlike the “cold” tulips and daffodils, primroses are “warmer” and therefore more attractive. Even the only modest primrose bush in the spring garden with yellow “key” flowers is sure to attract the eye. When you see bright groups of numerous colorful spring beauties, you understand why it is primroses that open the joyful flowering of the kingdom of Flora.
"Wockey"
\Photo by Irina Mersiyanova
The genus of primrose has been studied quite fully by botanists. Back in 1817, Lehmann’s monograph was published, then the works of Duby, Decandolle, Schot, Kaminsky, Ruprecht, Pax and others appeared, containing classifications of the genus. Russian botanists N.I. made a great contribution to the study of the taxonomy of the genus. Kuznetsova, E.A. Bush, E. Regel, A.S. Lozina-Lozinskaya.
Botanists divide the genus Primrose into 7 subgenera (Aleuritia, Auganthus, Auriculastrum, Carolinella, Craibia, Primula, Sphondylia). However, in ornamental gardening they use a different classification, more convenient for practical work, in which all primroses, depending on their morphological characteristics, are divided into 23 sections.
Primula x loiseleurii "Lismore Yellow"
Photo by Mikhail Polotnov
In middle zone conditions open ground Only certain species from individual sections of the genus can be grown. Below is a brief description of them.
Includes about 90 species. Plants with a yellow or white powdery coating. Flower petals are usually shorter than the calyx leaves. The flowers are mostly lilac, reddish-violet, yellow or white.
Plants do not last long in cultivation. They are usually grown as biennials. Most species are native to Asia. Grow in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soils in sunny or partial shade. They need winter shelter. Replant in early spring. Used for planting near ponds, on shady rocky hills, along streams on hills.
Primula subgenus: Aleuritia section: Soldanelloides
Norwegian primrose-Primula finmarchicaPrimula subgenus: Aleuritia section: Aleuritia
Siberian primrose- Primula sibirica
Primula daryal - Primula darialicaPrimula subgenus: Aleuritia section: Crystallophlomis
Powdery primrose - Primula farinosa L.
Primula foliage - Primula frondosa Janka
Primrose Hallera - Primula halleri J.F. Gmel
Scottish primrose- Primula scotica
Primrose cold- Primula algida
Snow primrose- Primula nivalisPrimula subgenus: Aleuritia section: Proliferae
Turkestan primrose- Primula turcestanica
Primula chionanta- Primula chionantha
Primrose hungen-Primula chungensis Bali. f. et Ward.Primula subgenus: Aleuritia section: Sikkimensis
Alpine primrose fine-toothed-Primula microdenta var. alpicola W.W.
Includes small and medium sized perennial primroses that bloom in early spring, are distinguished by smooth leaves with a serrated edge and pink flowers with a yellow eye. A typical representative is Primrose pink- Primula rosea Royle.
Includes 21 species, all of them of European origin. The plants are low growing with jagged woody roots. The leaves are succulent and leathery. The stems and flowers seem to be sprinkled with a powdery coating. The flowers are pink, lilac, purple, often with a white eye, or yellow. The petals are oval, their width, as a rule, exceeds their length. Many varieties have been developed with very different flower colors.
Propagated by seeds, which are sown in October-November. Many species do not completely repeat the properties of their parents. They need to be isolated or pollinated artificially. Seeds sown before winter germinate the following spring. When sowing in spring, it is recommended to freeze the seeds by covering the pots with snow for several days. The sown seeds are sprinkled with a thin layer of sand. The bushes are divided immediately after flowering. Low-growing varieties and forms are propagated by cuttings of rhizomes.
Primula subgenus: Auriculastrum section: Auricula subsection: Euauricula
Primrose carniolian- Primula carniolicaPrimula subgenus: Auriculastrum section: Auricula subsection: Arthritica
Primula aurica, or auricula - Primula auricula L.
Primula pubescent- Primula x pubescens Jacqui.
Primula coarse-haired- Primula hirsuta All, P. rubra F. Gmel.
Primrose fringed- Primula marginata
Primrose Delescluze- Primula clusiana Tausch.Primula subgenus: Auriculastrum section: Auricula subsection: Erythrodrosum
Primula hairy - Primula villosa WulfPrimula subgenus: Auriculastrum section: Auricula subsection: Chamaecallis
Primrose small - Primula minima L.Section of Corthusoides
In addition to the cortus primrose, which is found from Siberia to Europe, this section also contains twenty-three species of Asian primroses growing in Japan, Korea, and China. Plants without powdery coating. The leaves are petiolate. The flowers are funnel-shaped.
These primroses are quite easy to grow if they are planted in humus-rich soils. They grow equally successfully in the sun and in partial shade. They often self-sow and naturalize. Typically, section species are planted in landscape gardens among rhododendrons and evergreen trees. They are propagated by seeds; Siebold's primrose and its varieties are propagated by division and rhizome segments.
Primula subgenus: Auganthus section: Cortusoides
Primula polynervosa- Primula polyneuraSection of denticulate primroses (Denticulaia)
Primrose cortusiformes - Primula cortusoides
Primrose rock - Primula saxatilis
Primula Siebold- Primula sieboldii
Primrose rejected- Primula patens Turcz.
Primrose capitata - Primula capitataSection Julia
Primrose fine-toothed- Primula denticulata Smith
Includes only one species and its hybrids
Primrose Julia- Primula juliae Kusn.Section Muscarioides
Primula Prugonica - Primula x pruhoniciana hort. .
Includes 17 species from the Himalayas, Tibet and western China. The plants are distinguished by their original pointed cylindrical inflorescences. Most species in cultivation are rarely perennial. As a rule, they are biennials. In order to have flowering primroses of this section in the garden every year, their seeds must be sown annually (like other biennials). It is better to grow them in partial shade. These species require quite a lot of moisture during the growing season, and in the autumn-winter period, on the contrary, excess moisture destroys the plants. During this period, they need rather dry soil. Plants prefer soils consisting of a mixture of topsoil, peat and river sand. For the winter they are well covered or transferred to cold greenhouses. They grow late in the spring - at the end of May.
They reproduce by seeds, which are sown densely.
Primrose orchid, or vial - Рrimula vialiiSection Primula
Primula muscariformes- Primula muscarioides
Includes four European species, naturally distributed in Europe, Asia Minor, the Urals, the Caucasus, and Iran. These plants do not have a powdery coating. Almost all types of sections have long been cultivated and used in breeding. They are unpretentious and easy to grow. They reproduce easily by dividing bushes and seeds.
Primrose is lovely- Primula amoena Bieb.Section of candelabra primroses (Proliferae, Candelabra)
Primrose high- Primula elatior
High primrose hybrids- Primula Elatior Hybrids
Primula polyanthus, or primrose multiflorum- Primula poliantha
Spring primrose-Primula veris
Primula vulgaris, or stemless-Primula vulgaris = P. acaulis
Primula Voronova - Primula voronowii A.Los.
Primula Komarova - Primula komarovii A.Los
Primrose of Pallas- Primula pallasii
Primula macrocalyx– Primula macrocalyx
Primrose Ruprecht-Primula ruprechtii
Includes about 30 species, growing mainly in the mountains of southwest China, Burma, India, the mountains of Japan, Sumatra, and Java. Gardeners appreciated these large plants with bright rings (tiers) of inflorescences on tall peduncles. In addition, species in this section bloom in summer. Thanks to all the listed qualities, these primroses are grown in the middle zone, although they have to be well covered for the winter.
The leaves of the plants are large, and in some species they are evergreen. All species of this section are most often biennials and only in very good conditions- perennials. They are grown in moist, fertile, humus-rich soil in semi-shaded and sometimes shady areas. Heavy soils are improved by adding a mixture of turf soil and peat, and fine gravel for drainage. Plants of these species are easy to grow from seeds. It is better to divide the bushes at the beginning of summer, when the queen cells are stronger and healthier, and the divisions have time to take root well before the fall. When grown in semi-shaded areas, plants often self-sow.
Primula Byssa-Primula beesiana ForrFor practical floriculture, German experts have proposed a classification of species, varieties and hybrids of primroses, which is based on the shape and arrangement of inflorescences or flowers on plants. Five groups have been identified.
Primrose Bullea-Primula bulleyana Forr.
Primrose Cockburn-Primula coekburniana Hemsl
Primrose powdered- Primula pulverulenta Duthie
Japanese primrose- Primula japonica A. Gray
- 1. Cushion-shaped- solitary flowers, each on its own short peduncle, slightly rising above the rosette of leaves. These are Voronova primrose, small primrose, common primrose, Yulia primrose, etc.
- 2. Umbrella-shaped- flowers are collected in a one-sided or round umbrella, rising above the rosette of leaves on a peduncle up to 20 cm high. These are spring primrose, high primrose, rejected primrose, pink primrose, polyanthus, auricular primrose, hybrids of auricular primrose, etc.
- 3. Capitate or spherical- the flowers are collected in dense capitate inflorescences on a strong peduncle, the height of which during the flowering period is 15-20 cm, and during the fruiting period - 30-45 cm. These are capitate primrose, fine-toothed primrose and its varieties.
- 4. Tiered or candelabra - the flowers are collected in whorled inflorescences, consisting of several tiers, located on strong peduncles and very similar to candelabra. They bloom in mid-summer. The flowers are wide-open, small, about 1 cm in diameter. The rosettes are powerful, the leaves are elongated, basal. They prefer loose, nutritious soils. Moisture-loving. They are short-lived and require regular rejuvenation. Most species are hardy. In cold, snowless winters, dry shelter is necessary. The most hardy species growing in the wet mountain meadows of China are Byss primrose, Bulley's primrose, powdered primrose, and Japanese primrose.
- 5. Campanulate - inflorescences consist of drooping or drooping flowers and are located above a beautiful rosette of leaves on peduncles of varying heights:
- Sikkimese primrose - P. sikkimensis
Florinda's Primrose - R. florindae
There are a large number of species little known to gardeners. Photos of primroses that are not included in the above groups...
All described types of primroses, despite the difference in origin and place of growth, are quite unpretentious and winter-hardy. In central Russia they freeze out extremely rarely and remain decorative even with minimal care. Early and long flowering makes them indispensable in areas with cool and humid climates.
In order for primroses to bloom magnificently, it is important to choose the right site and provide the necessary care. This is not difficult to do if you know where primroses grow in nature and try to create similar conditions for them in your garden.
Location: Some types of primroses grow in open areas, others most often in shade, among grasses of mountain and foothill meadows, bushes and trees, on northern mountain slopes, in rock crevices, between stones. But both species in the middle zone are best grown in shaded areas or in areas shaded during the midday hours. This could be a shady corner of the garden, among fruit or other deciduous trees, or a flower garden, illuminated by the sun only in the morning, located on the east side of the house. On rocky hills, primroses are best planted on the east, north or west side.
The soil: soil water regime is an important element of successful plant growing. For primroses it is especially relevant. After all, in nature they grow on moist soils, often near snowfields, along mountain streams or rivers. Therefore, in flower beds they should not lack moisture, but the soil should not be damp. Most species do not like stagnant water. Moist, well-drained soil is what they need. Primroses require especially a lot of moisture in the spring. At this time, in the mountains, where most of them come from, the snow melts, and the plants literally bathe in water - for this reason they are not afraid of cold spring water. In the middle zone, April and May, when growth and flowering of most types of primroses begin, are often dry and sunny. Lack of moisture in the soil during this critical period for growth and development leads to weakening of plants and a decrease in their decorative value. Therefore, in the spring you need to keep the soil on the site moist and make sure that it does not dry out. Moreover, gardeners successfully grow some primroses (for example, Siebold's primrose) even immersed in 1-2 cm of water! Primroses are not recommended to be planted on high ridges, where the soil usually dries out quickly.
Soil nutrition and fertilizing. In nature, some types of primroses, for example Hallera, Julia, shaggy, coarse-haired, grow on rocky slopes, settle between stones, in crevices where the nutrient soil layer is small. Other species (Japanese primrose, fine-toothed, Florinda, Bisa, Siebold, etc.) are plants of meadows and forests, river valleys, river banks, preferring fertile soils and shading. In the garden, both species need to be grown in nutritious, loose soils. Particularly good are cultivated loose clay soils, which contain many nutrients and retain moisture.
Heavy clay soils are not suitable for primroses. To improve them, add sand (a bucket per 1 m2), vermiculite, chopped sphagnum moss, and also add up to 20 kg of organic fertilizers per 1 m2 or replace the top soil layer (20 cm) with a prepared nutrient mixture. In the second and third years, it is enough to apply only mineral fertilizers, with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers in the fall.
Light soils, where there are few nutrients, require at least 15-20 kg per 1 m2 of organic fertilizers: decomposed humus (5 kg), compost or leaf soil (10 kg), weathered peat (5 kg), which not only enrich the soil with nutrients substances, but also improve its structure and water regime. For more luxuriant flowering of plants, 20 g of phosphorus and potassium and 10-15 g of nitrogen fertilizers are added to the mixture. If all the components are not available, then the mixture is made up of two, adding them in the following quantities: 10 kg of compost soil and 10 kg of humus, or 15 kg of humus or compost soil and 5 kg of peat. Peat crumbs or leaf soil should make up a quarter of the applied organic fertilizers.
Care: do not require much care. The soil should always be moist, loose and free of weeds. In loose soil, roots form faster in young rosettes. During the growing season, plants are fed three times. The first feeding is carried out in early spring, the second - after 2-3 weeks, the third - at the end of July-mid-August with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. Primulas are very responsive to the application of slurry during the growing season. Every year, 2-3 cm of loose nutritious soil is poured under the primrose bushes, and it is even better to cover the entire area occupied by plants with this layer.
Over the course of 3-4 years, the primrose bushes grow, and new rosettes begin to crowd each other. Therefore, after 3-4 years they are planted, i.e. They divide the bushes. If this is not done, the plants become smaller, flowering weakens, and decorativeness is lost.
For a good overwintering of plants, it is important to preserve the rosette of leaves until late autumn, as it serves as a natural shelter. It is recommended to cover species such as fine-toothed and common primrose with dry tree leaves in a layer of 10 cm for the winter. Japanese primrose, Clusiana, Sibtorpa, Siebold are recommended to be covered in late autumn with a layer of leaves up to 10 cm.
Experienced flower growers recommend plucking rosettes of leaves from fine-toothed primula, Japanese primrose, and Florinda, leaving no more than three or four in each bush. This technique contributes, firstly, to more luxuriant flowering of plants, and secondly, to a reduction in the incidence of rot of leaves and root collars.
Diseases and pests: primrose can be affected by stem and root collar rot, rust, white rust, bacterial leaf spot, anthracnose, powdery mildew, jaundice, cucumber mosaic and tomato spotted wilt viruses, leaf, stem and root-knot nematodes, aphids, weevils, spider mites, slugs, beetles , fleas, etc.
The greatest damage to primroses is caused by spots caused by the fungus. Ramularia cercosporella.
The disease manifests itself in late spring and early summer. Round or angular spots are visible on the leaves, initially pale, then gray or brown with a yellowish border. In mid and late summer, a gray or white coating forms on the spots - conidial sporulation of fungi. The affected leaves gradually dry out, the flowering of the plant weakens, and the primroses lose their decorative effect.
Control measures . Diseased leaves are removed and destroyed. Plants are sprayed with foundationazole (2%), topsin (0.2%), and zineb (1.5%). Bordeaux mixture (1%) and copper oxychloride (0.5%) are also used. Plants are treated in early spring and after flowering. In autumn, primroses are sprayed with nitrafen (1%).
Observations have shown that Japanese, fine-toothed, and Florinda primroses are not affected by spots; single spots are found on auricular, Pallas, and pink primroses; an average degree of damage (up to 25%) was noted in spring primrose, common, high, and strong (50% and above) - at the primrose Julia, Prugonitskaya.
Reproduction: The fruits of most species ripen in July-August. Primroses are propagated by seeds, dividing the bush and leaf cuttings.
Seeds primrose quickly lose their viability. For example, the germination of seeds stored until spring sowing, especially at high temperatures (20 °C), is reduced by 20-40% or more. In addition, germination of seeds, even if stored for only a few weeks, will be delayed. Therefore, it is best to sow freshly collected seeds - immediately after collection in open ground or better in boxes installed in the ground, so as not to lose seedlings. In the greenhouse, sowing is carried out in early February. For most plants, a substrate made from a mixture of leaf humus (2 parts), turf soil and sand (1 part each) is suitable. Sow them superficially, no more than 5 grains per 1 cm, press down and place in a film bag. Close and place in the freezer for 3-4 weeks at a temperature no higher than minus 10°C. After freezing, place the crops of pink primrose, p. pubescent, p. Florinda and p. japonica on the window, shade them from direct sun, try not to overdry. Temperature for germination is 16-18°C. Germination of seeds sown in winter is accelerated if the crops are covered with snow for several days. Primrose seeds sown in autumn germinate in 14-18 weeks, and sown in spring - in 20-30 days. After freezing, sowings of high primrose and Siebold's pear are planted in the dark at the same temperature as for the above-mentioned species. As soon as the seeds hatch, they are moved to the light, but with shade.
Common primrose and small-toothed primrose do not need freezing. Crops of the first type are germinated in the light, the second - in the dark. After the emergence of seedlings, the bags are opened slightly and gradually begin to accustom the seedlings to the air, but continue to provide shade from direct sun. After 10-12 days, when the seedlings have grown and become stronger, the bags are removed. Primrose seedlings grow very slowly. It is important to ensure that the substrate underneath is constantly moist.
When one or two true leaves appear, the seedlings dive into boxes. You can plant the seedlings directly into the ground to a permanent place. The planting distance for small species is 10 - 15 cm, for larger ones - 20 - 30 cm. Primroses should be planted in such a way that the plantings are closed and there is no open space between the rosettes of leaves, since plants do not like this. They grow for two years, covering them with a 10 cm layer of foliage for the winter. They are planted in a permanent place in the spring or autumn of the second year. Young plants bloom in the second or third year.
Sometimes, during unfavorable winters, plants freeze or damp out. So that the garden does not remain without their bright flowers, you should always save the seeds from last year’s harvest until spring. They should be stored in a cool place (for example, on a balcony or just outside a window, in a basement, in a refrigerator), mixed with sand or soil.
Japanese primrose must be periodically propagated by seeds, since 2-3-year-old plants bloom more luxuriantly.
Primroses are divided usually in the third to fifth year of cultivation, when they have grown sufficiently, in early spring or summer, in late July - August. You can do this immediately after flowering. The plant must be dug up, the soil must be thoroughly shaken off its roots, and the remaining soil must be washed off with water in a bucket. You can divide a plant without such preparation, but it is much more convenient to work with clean plants.
The best time for planting bushes is August and the first half of September. If transplanted later, they may freeze and suffer from bulging in the spring (in this case, after the snow melts, the plants must be pressed tightly to the ground). Such plants often freeze out in winter.
Most primroses are spring flowering plants. April and May are the period of their active growth. After flowering and seed ripening, primroses enter a period of summer dormancy. At the beginning of August, the plants “wake up” - the growth of roots and leaves is activated, flower buds are laid, which in the spring of next year will turn into beautiful flowers. This feature of plant development determines the optimal period for their division: August - the first ten days of September or early spring, although species common in gardens (primrose Julia, tall, many-flowered, Siebold) tolerate replanting well even at the time of flowering. But it is advisable to divide fine-toothed primrose, which blooms in spring, in early spring or in August. The plant tolerates later division worse and may freeze in winter.
Summer-flowering primroses Florinda, Bisa, and Japanese are not winter-hardy enough in the conditions of the middle zone and are best planted in the spring, before flowering.
The plants are watered before digging. Using a knife, the plant is divided into several parts. The size can be chosen arbitrarily, but each part must have at least one renewal bud. The surface of the cuts should be sprinkled with ash. The prepared planting material should not dry out. It must be planted in the ground as soon as possible, labeled and watered.
The dug up bushes are divided into rosettes and planted at a distance of 10-15 cm, and large species(primrose fine-toothed, Florinda) at a distance of 20-30 cm from each other. In general, it is good that there is no open space between neighboring bushes, especially small species. Then the rosettes of leaves shade the soil near the bush, and it dries out less. It is advisable to water the transplanted plants daily for 10-12 days, especially if the weather is dry.
In case of later autumn planting, it is better to cover the plants for the winter.
Division allows not only to obtain planting material, but also to rejuvenate the plant. If primroses grow in one place for a long time without replanting, then the flowering of old bushes weakens, and the rhizome with the bulk of the roots, located close to the soil surface, is exposed. In winters with little snow, such bushes can freeze, hot weather- dry out. Therefore, every autumn, starting from the second year, nutritious soil must be added to the plants to cover the rhizome.
Many species, such as Primula auricula, reproduce in small rosettes of leaves, which easily take root in cold greenhouses or in beds, with obligatory shade. It takes root in 15-20 days. Here they overwinter, and in the spring they are planted in a permanent place. Serrated primrose can be propagated root cuttings. Large specimens of this species have several thick roots. To accelerate the formation of buds, a longitudinal cut 1-1.5 cm long is made in the upper part of the root. The prepared cuttings are planted in light soil to a depth of 3 cm. Further care is carried out using conventional technology.
Usage: unpretentiousness when growing, cold resistance, early and very long flowering have made primrose indispensable in places with a cool and humid climate.
It is recommended to plant primroses under a not too dense tree canopy and in open sunny places in single and mixed plantings with other perennials. If you make even a small collection of representatives of this extensive genus, it will decorate the garden from early spring to mid-summer. From primroses, you can choose varieties for any place in your garden. You can use them to create ridges, groups on the lawn, decorate waste corners, rocky slides. Primroses perfectly decorate flower beds of various shapes and configurations, artificial mini-reservoirs, and garden vases.
In any garden there are always more or less inconvenient places where, it seems, nothing good will grow. In this case, primroses will help out. Among them, you can choose a group of the most unpretentious species, which, although they do not shine with special brightness and beauty, will still delight you with their freshness. These species include spring primrose (R. veris), ordinary (R. vulgaris), large-cupped (R. macrocalyx). In addition, these species have many garden forms and hybrids. More colorful and decorative, but also not particularly demanding on growing conditions, are species such as fine-toothed, tall, auricular, and Japanese primroses. The flowering of primroses is quite long and stretches from April to the end of June. Primroses look good both in single plantings and in groups. When selecting plants for group plantings, it is necessary to take into account the flowering time and the size of the leaf rosettes. Plants blooming in turns will increase the decorativeness of the flower bed, and the closed foliage will not allow weeds to appear. A group of varieties and garden forms of spring primrose will look very good on the lawn. In early spring, it will delight you with abundant flowering, purity and brightness of colors. By planting pure spring primrose, you can use its leaves to prepare vitamin-rich salads.
Primroses feel good not only on flat horizontal areas. Neither an alpine hill nor a decorative pond can do without them. Primrose Julia is very suitable for planting on a hill (R. juliae), auricular, rocky (R. saxatilis). They are all very different from each other and will create the necessary variety.
To design a reservoir, you will need primroses that grow wild at high altitudes of the Himalayan range, mainly in wetlands and stream banks. These species include the magnificent Florinda primroses (R. florindae), alpine (R. alpicola), Sikkimese (R. sikkimensis). In addition to decorative qualities, these species have a wonderful aroma. They are the best spring decoration for gardens and parks. They should be placed under a sparse canopy of trees in single and mixed plantings. Primroses grow well in containers (box, barrel, flowerpot, etc.). Decoratively stable, long-blooming perennials form variegated carpets of delicate, cheerful colors during flowering. Serrated primrose and Japanese primrose can also be used for cutting.
The beauty and variety of appearance, flowering form and colors of representatives of the rich family of primroses will certainly not leave collectors indifferent. When choosing a place, a specialized area that will be allocated for a collection of primroses, specify only the plant requirements in terms of soil, moisture and light, and it is not at all necessary to allocate a separate area for your favorite flowers. If you have collected several varieties of tall primrose and polyanthus, you can plant them along the path leading from the entrance to the site to the doors of the house, or create large group on the lawn. Garden forms of Japanese primrose with pink, lilac, white flowers, its natural look with bright purple inflorescences - here is another mini-collection that will fit perfectly into a rhododendron garden and give it a unique flavor. A group of varieties from Primrose Julia will create a reliable, stable border for a flower bed and at the same time demonstrate all the variety of colors.
IN Lately It is popular to grow primroses in containers - bowls, carts, baskets, etc. In this case, it is good to use water-retaining gels, which will maintain the quickly drying container soil in what it needs for primroses. wet.
Forcing primroses: Plants intended for forcing are planted in containers in July, which are left in the garden until the autumn cold, and then transferred to a cool room or left in the garden, covered with leaves or any other material. 1-1.5 months before the desired flowering period, the containers are transferred to a bright, warm place. In spring, faded primroses are divided and planted in the garden.
Partners: go well with daffodils, scylla, muscari, phlox, and low irises.
Read:
Tatiana SHAPOVAL "Reflections on Primroses"
Galina KULYGINA "Agrotechnics Primrose"
M. SYUVALEPP Primroses of Estonian selection
E. LIVENTAAL Forcing by March 8
Materials used:
Vavilova L.P. "Primrose: Popular Science Edition." - M.: Armada-press, 2001. - 32 p.: ill. - (Plant it yourself).
Lunina N.M. "Primroses" - M.: Publishing house. House of SMEs, 2006. - 48 p.
Primula Francesca (Francesca). Extraordinarily showy, large, light green flowers, strongly ruffled along the edges, with a yellow center. Long flowering period. More impressive in openwork shade.
Most species do not like stagnant water. Moist, well-drained soil is what they need. Primroses require especially a lot of moisture in the spring. At this time, in the mountains, where most of them come from, the snow melts, and the plants literally bathe in water - for this reason they are not afraid of cold spring water.
In the middle zone, April and May, when growth and flowering of most types of primroses begin, are often dry and sunny. Lack of moisture in the soil during this critical period for growth and development leads to weakening of plants and a decrease in their decorative value. Therefore, in the spring you need to keep the soil on the site moist and make sure that it does not dry out.
Moreover, gardeners successfully grow some primroses (for example, Siebold's primrose) even immersed in 1-2 cm of water! Primroses are not recommended to be planted on high ridges, where the soil usually dries out quickly.
The fragment is published by EDSR
