Enthusiast's Primroses
Also called anomalous primroses or Elizabethan primroses, these are real museum pieces. These curiosities were much sought after in the 17th and 18th centuries. They are in fact mutations where the calyx differs from normal flowers. Jack-in-the-green, a flower held in a ruff of leaves, Hose-in-hose, the calyx transformed into petals to give the impression of one flower inside another. Jackanapes, with a striped calyx, Gallygaskins, with a large ribbed calyx, and others.
Barnhaven have been selling seeds of these wonders without a break for more than half a century! There will be polyanthus and acaulis forms in the mix. You may also get a small proportion of normal flowering blooms.
Flowering times: Late Winter - mid-spring
Height: 15-20cm.
Culture: Enthusiast’s Primulas are not more difficult to grow than other primroses. They will do well in semi-shade the garden where they will often flower exuberantly but can also be grown in pots so you can you can show off your collection of rarities to unsuspecting visitors.
For tips on growing Enthusiast's Primroses see the section on Primroses and Polyanthus.
