Columnists > Ellen Brown > GuidesMarch 15, 2006

Growing: Primrose

By Ellen Brown

Botanical Name: Primula
Life Cycle: perennial
Planting Time: spring or fall
Height: 8" to 24"
Exposure: partial shade
Soil: rich, moist, well-drained soil with an acidic pH (Auricula primrose prefers a neutral pH)
Hardiness: zones 3-10 depending on variety
Bloom Time: spring
Flower: variety of bright and bold colors; flat-faced, trumpet-shaped flowers; some fragrant
Foliage: dark green leaves with a puckered textured
Propagation: seeds or division
Suggested Use: beds, front borders, edging, paths and walkways, shade gardens and rock gardens
Growing Hints: Purchase plants in spring or grow from seeds sown in pots in early spring or fall. If plants start to lose vigor they probably need to be divided. Once their flowering period starts to end, dig up and divide crowded plants. Primrose can also be propagated by rooting side rosettes that appear after flowering. Self-sown seedlings of hybrids are unlikely to produce desired offspring.
Interesting Facts: Primrose tends to be deer resistant. As a whole, many in the Primula genus, including cowslip, are known for their medicinal properties.

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