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Primula, Primrose, or Polyanthus?
Both Primroses and Polyanthus are part of the Primula family and have similar characteristics, the main difference is how they display their flowers. Primroses produce flowers on single stems that sit just above the leaves, compared to Polyanthus that produce multiple flowers on strong stems that rise well above the leaves.
Why should I plant Primula in my garden?
Very few perennials flower as early in the spring as Primula and even fewer come in such a vibrant array of colours. They are great for those damp, shadier areas of the garden that are difficult to fill and add some much-needed colour to early season containers.
When is the best time to plant Primula in the UK?
Most Primula flower in the spring and spring is also the best time to plant. Obviously, avoid planting when the ground is frozen.
Where should I plant Primula in my garden?
Planted containers, beds, borders or let them naturalise around your lawn. Primula prefer a shady spot, so are very happy under trees and larger shrubs. When it comes to soil, Primula require a moist, but well-drained soil that will not dry out. Consider adding some compost or other organic matter to help with drainage.
How do I care for my Primula?
Regularly removing flowers as they go over will extend the flowering period. If you prefer, leave the flowers to set-seed and it will give you a garden full of Primulas. Primula in pots will benefit from a high potash fertiliser (such as Tomorite) every other week, once the buds start to form. Stop feeding once the flowers open. Every couple of years carefully digging up and splitting your Primula will rejuvenate it and give you more plants for free.
Do Primula plants need a lot of water?
Yes, Primula like plenty of water so need their soil nice and moist, but not waterlogged. When the top inch of soil starts to feel dry it is time to water, more regular watering will be required if you are growing in pots. Adding a top layer of mulch will help the soil remain moist. Avoid pouring water directly onto the flowers as it will mark them.
What do Primula go well with?
We recommend planting them alongside early flowering, shade-loving perennials, such as: Helleborus Gold Collection®, Bergenia, Brunnera, & Pulmonaria, to give a beautiful spring display. They also look great planted alongside Spring Bulbs and Cyclamen.
Do Primula come back every year?
Some Primula varieties are annual plants, meaning they will flower well for one season but will not come back the following year. All Primula varieties that we offer at Golden Valley Plants are Hardy Perennials that will come back year-after-year. We only select the best varieties that offer something a bit different. Buy Hardy Primula & polyanthus at Golden Valley plants
Which are the best Primula to buy?
Buy Online: Hardy Primroses from Golden Valley Plants
For Primula that come back every year it is worth considering the Hardy Perennial varieties. Some of our favourites are:
Primula Belarina: Produces beautiful rose-bud, double flowers in a lovely selection of colours. Not only do the flowers look great, but they last for ages.
Primula Oak Leaf: Different to anything else on the market due to its oak-shaped leaves. Produces masses of flowers on strong stems a bit like Polyanthus, but the flowers are more delicate. Amazing flowering performance that can last for up-to 9 months.
Primula Pollyana: Our new series of Pollyannas are compact and easy to grow with an extended flowering time. They are hardy and produce many, fully double flowers on each stem.
Primula Veristar: We love the amount of flower power the Veristar series has, producing masses of flower on strong stems. Great for spring combinations, containers and landscape planting. Plant Primula Veristar ‘Marmalade’ alongside Primula Veristar ‘Blue’ for a great colour contrast.
Polyanthus Stella: For a showstopping display of colour on the patio these are our top choice. Large flowers on strong stems create plenty of impact.
Primula veris: Often found in meadows and on woodland floors, Primula veris or common cowslip as it is often referred to is one of the most well-known varieties. Leave this pollinator friendly to naturalise in open ground or add it to a container for a pop of early season colour.
Primula vulgaris: Primula vulgaris or common Primrose is a popular woodland perennial and one of the most familiar signs of spring. Leave this pollinator friendly to naturalise in open ground or add it to a container where you can enjoy the scent from its flowers.
If I am buying Primula online, how do I know the size of the plant I am purchasing?
All Primula that we supply at Golden Valley Plants are garden ready plants that will flower and perform well from the very first season. We pride ourselves on producing bigger plants than the rest! This larger pot size and better rooted plant, will establish faster than many of the ‘plug’ sized plants that are sold cheaply online. For any pot size queries check out our ‘pot size guide’ for more info.
Best Primula for colour?
There are lots to choose from but our choice is the Primula Belarina series, which produces beautiful rose-bud, double flowers in a lovely selection of colours. Not only are the flowers great but they last for ages.
Best Primula for flowering?
It has to be Primula Oak Leaf as it flowers for up-to 9 months of the year and gets better and better with age. Not only is the flowering performance outstanding, but its appearance with oak-shaped leaves and flowers on strong stems is like no other.
Best Primula for pots?
You can’t really go wrong as most Primulas perform well in pots………. For size of flowers and instant impact we would have to suggest our showstopping: Polyanthus Stella ‘Pink Champagne and Polyanthus Stella ‘Scarlet Pimpernel’.
Best Primula for winter hardiness?
ll the Primula that we grow are proven, tested varieties that will come back year-after-year.
Best Primula for scent?
Some of our favourite for fragrance are:
Primula Belarina ‘Cream’
Primula Belarina ‘Goldie’
Primula vulgaris
Best new Primula variety?
Our favourite new primula on the nursery is: Primula Belarina ‘Rosalina’ A real beauty – the first ever true pink Belarina with white edging gorgeously reminiscent of flamenco skirt ruffles and a sweeet springtime fragrance!
Most unique Primula variety?
Primula Oak Leaf
We think its appearance, with unique oak-shaped leaves, offers something different to anything else on the market.
Best Primula collections?
We’ve put together some lovely colour themed selections to choose from. Save money and buy a Primula Trio.
