European Alpine Primula Hybrids

Subcategories

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  Primula allionii and...

  It has to be seen to be believed, the number of flowers that cover these small rock plants. The flowers of Primula allionii and their numerous hybrids generally come in shades of pink and are some of the earliest spring-flowering Primula.

  Originally from the limestone cliff faces of southern France and northern Italy they are very hardy plants that need well-drained, cool conditions. Some of the hybrids are easier to grow than the naturally occurring forms as they are more tolerant of different conditions. They have small rosettes of sticky leaves which are often hidden by the profusion of flowers in the spring. 
  
  Flowering period: Mid winter – early spring
  
  Height: 5-10 cm
  
  Culture: Alpine plants are best grown in pots, troughs or in a shady rockery. Primula allionii are easier to grow if they can be protected from winter wet and are therefore often kept in a cold greenhouse or protected from overhead water in the garden by placing a sheet of plastic or glass over the plants (leaving it open for the air to circulate underneath).

  For tips on growing alpines see the sections on European Alpine Primula

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  Primula marginata and...

  Here you will find collected forms and hybrids of Primula marginata. These much sought after alpine primulas have a delicate charm. The attractive leaves are often toothed and mealy which provide interest all year round. Unlike the Primula allionii hybrids the flowers are borne on short stems above the leaves. The delicate flowers range from blue to pink.

  They are found in the wild in the Maritime and Cottian Alps which lie along the western Italy border and south-east French border. They grow on limestone which is why they will appreciate a very gritty, well-draining compost.
  
  Flowering period: Mid winter – early spring
  
  Height: 10-15 cm
  
  Culture: Some are best kept in a cold greenhouse to appreciate the farina on the leaves that will be washed off outside, but most of the more vigorous hybrids will do well in troughs and shaded rockeries. Very hardy plants, they are best divided every few years as they tend to produce long leggy stems that look untidy. They can be divided readily but bear in mind that they are fairly slow growing. 
  
  For tips on growing alpines see the sections on European Alpine Primula

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  Other Hybrids

  European Primula hybrids and Primula Pubescens hybrids

  Often difficult to classify as they are often the result of crosses between several of the smaller European alpine species and hybrids, but this group nevertheless contains some of the most rewarding of the smaller primulas. Fairly easy to grow and very floriferous they are a useful addition to the rock garden, trough or alpine house.

  The European primula hybrids are hybrids of Primula marginata or Primula allionii, which have arisen from crosses between each other or with other species and hybrids. They mostly flower in late spring but some may start in February depending on the weather conditions. 

  Primula pubescens hybrids are mostly hybrids of P. auricula x P. hirsuta . They are smaller in stature than show auriculas and are generally easy to grow  and vigorous plants. 
  
  Flowering period: Early spring – late spring
  
  Height: 10-15 cm
  
  Culture: They need a rich, moist but well-drained soil and like all Primulas they should not dry out in the summer. Many are suited to a cold greenhouse or alpine house and some of them need protection from winter wet but many of the hybrids are a lot tougher and will grow well outside in troughs and screes. They are not fast growing, but on the plus side will put up with a lot more neglect and starvation than other primulas. 

  For more information about growing European Primula hybrids, please consult our information page on Alpine primulas.