Spring is here. We’ve passed the Vernal Equinox and what can be a better signal that the days are getting longer than the profusely flowering Primula, or is that Primrose???
The quick answer is that they’re the same. We often get mixed up between botanical and common names. The botanical name for this large group of plants is Primula. The ‘Common Primrose’ is Primula vulgaris.
Plant of the week: Primula vulgaris
- A small perennial woodland plant , producing a rosette of flowers from December to May
- Flowers pale to deep yellow with darker yellow-orange centres, with five notched petals.
- Primroses are common and widespread across Britain Isles They are found in woods, at the base of hedgerows and in grasslands.
- The name ‘Primrose’ derives from the Latin prima rosa meaning ‘first rose’ of the year, despite not being a member of the rose family…..more confusion with common names!!!!
- Plant in conditions to replicate woodland – partial shade, damp conditions, add a mulch to encourage moisture retention. Will grow in sun but need to be kept moist.
- Deadheading as needed. Cut them back in late autumn, when the foliage has died, to encourage maximum growth in spring.
- Freely self seeding, you’ll find new plants popping up around the garden in the spring.
The story doesn’t end there though. The Primula group contains about 500 species…..and there’s more common names to confuse us further.
Primula virens – ‘Cowslip’. Found in more open ground. Flowers borne on long tubes above the rosette.
….and to confuse things even more, a Polyanthus is a hybrid between P.vulgaris and P.virens (Primrose & Cowslip)!!!
Primula denticulata – flowers in a perfect sphere on top of a sturdy stem – hence its common name – the drumstick primula
Primula auricula – collectors primula. You see them displayed in ‘auricula theatres’ at garden shows.
But there are a couple of unusual ones which I’m going to try this year.
Primula sieboldii – hails from moist woodlands and meadows in Japan. Suggest you grow in damp shade by the side of a pond.
Primula vialii – ‘vials’ or ‘orchid primrose’. Upright poker-shaped, red-tipped lilac-pink flowers in early and midsummer. Try planting them amongst ferns and hostas.