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Primula

What are Primula?

With one of the largest collections of Primula in the world, you could say that we are definitely fans of this botanical genus of flowering plants that belongs to the family Primulacae. So why do we love them so? As their name suggests, they are some of the first flowers to appear in spring, with some plants flowering from January onwards, and they always bring such joy when the first flowers appear.

With over 480 species alone of Primula and thousands of hybrids there is such a wide range of different kinds of plants and flowers. Not only is there such a wide variety, they also come from different types of habitats in the wild so there are primula for all kinds of different conditions in the garden.

Mainly native to the cooler Northern hemisphere, more than 70% of species come from the Himalayan mountainous regions. They have a wide range of habitats from alpine slopes to boggy meadows and woodland. As a general rule Primula like cool and damp conditions in semi-shade but is important to try and replicate their different origins in the garden setting. Obviously, not all of the species are suited to be cultivated in our gardens, which is why we have chosen only those plants which will grow well in cultivation.

There are also Primula for all types of gardener, from the happy-go-lucky wild flower gardener, to the serious botanical collector to the amateur breeder or auricula competitor there is something for everyone.

So welcome to the wonderful world of Primula and come and tread the ‘Primrose path of dalliance’ with us. (William Shakespeare, Hamlet.)

Subcategories

Primroses

All our Barnhaven primroses are hardy, vigorous perennials, especially selected for their range of pure colours, vigour and also scent.

All the plants in the ‘category’ primroses on our website are from the botanical section called ‘Primula’ usually known as Vernales primulas or the early spring flowering group. They include the European species: the native woodland primrose Primula vulgaris, the meadow cowslip Primula veris, the oxlip Primula elatior, and Primula juliae from the Caucasus. Over several centuries these native species have been much developed and hybridized to produce a huge range of vigorous, free-flowering and long lived plants.

Flowering period: Mid-winter – mid-spring.

Culture: They are all well adapted to a range of climates but will prefer a fertile, moisture retentive soil in a semi-shady position.

For tips on sowing Primroses see the section on Primroses and Polyanthus.
Alpine primula

Alpine primula come in many different shapes and forms. Most of them originate from the mountainous regions of Europe and are very hardy plants. Although fairly small plants which can be slow to develop, they have a certain charm that makes them very special to many gardeners and collectors.

Flowering period: Some of the European Alpine Primulas are some of the first to flower, starting in mid-winter. Most of the Auriculas will flower from mid-spring to early summer depending on the varying temperatures.

Height: 10-15 cm

Culture: Alpine plants need conditions that replicate their natural conditions in the wild. Well-drained planting conditions are essential if they are to survive milder winters as they are used to being covered in a blanket of snow in the winter months and dislike warm and wet winters. Some are fairly easy to grow in the garden in rockeries or shady borders. Some will be best reserved to the collector who is ready to look after them by growing them in pots and over-wintering in an Alpine greenhouse. Check the individual product descriptions.

For tips on sowing Alpines see the section on Alpine Primula.
Asiatic Primula

Since the 19th century, thanks to the exploits of many an intrepid explorer, there has been a huge influx of Primula species into our garden from the mountainous regions of Asia and new species are still being discovered. Our collection includes the species that are most easy to grow in our gardens and most of them make breath-taking displays. They also extend the flowering season extensively as they generally flower later than our European native primroses.

All of our seed comes from our own production, we hand-pollinate the species separately to ensure the purity of the species unless they are plants that will not cross pollinate with anything else.
Seed mixtures

Not sure what to choose? Short of space? These packets of seed mixtures are a good choice for you. In each packet you will have a selection of different colours and forms that all like the same conditions and can be planted out together for a lovely display.

Please see the individual descriptions and our information pages on Sowing for more information.