A primrose by a river's brim,
a yellow primrose was to him,
and it was nothing more. (William Wordsworth, 1888)
The wild primrose is the earliest Primula to flower in the garden. It is best grown in a situation where there is no competition from vigorous perennial weeds. In a natural setting they grow well at the base of hedgerows because the main growing season for the primrose period coincides with the dormant season of hedgerow shrubs and trees such as hawthorn. When the canopy of woody vegetation returns in late spring the wild primrose goes into a dormant phase surviving through the summer as a perennial rhizome. Primroses can be very useful garden plants as they will often grow where other plants struggle – odd vacant spaces, underneath the canopy of ornamental deciduous shrubs and even in borders where other cultivated plants cannot overgrow their space. When happy a group of 10 primroses will establish and self seed to extend the grouping, in time making a wonderful display each winter / spring. Dappled cool conditions are best and even heavy soils are acceptable providing they are not waterlogged.

20 X plants of Primula 'Harlow Carr Hybrids'

Candelabra Primulas are amongst some of the most beautiful classic garden plants. There are many species and even more hybrids and varieties.  All are clump forming and spread by self sown seedlings. The flowers are carried in numerous whorls up strong stems and have a very exotic appearance, but they are all extremely hardy standing many degrees of frost. They have a long flowering season across the range of types extending from late April to the end of July.  Flowering heights range from 30cm (1 foot) to 100 cm (3 feet).  Many are tolerant of very heavy wet soils. They associate well with other familiar plants such as Astilbe and Hosta.

Harlow Carr Hybrids are selections which have been in cultivation for a very long time.  The colours are pastel and beautiful; plants supplied may vary compared with those illustrated here but we are certain you will not be disappointed. These hybrids flower in May into June.

All plants supplied are of flowering size and posted bare-root, without compost or pot.

 

9 X mature flowering sized plants ready for planting.

Primula bulleyana subsp. beesiana (more usually referred to as Primula beesiana) This is a perennial candelabra Primula of outstanding garden merit. Having been grown for over 100 years this species has a proven track record. It is very hardy and establishes itself as a strong clump. A fantastic candelabra for the June garden performing well in all soils that remain moist. Height of flowering is 60 cm (2 feet). Being June flowering it adds a splash of colour, few other plants can compete with. The 60cm (2 feet) tall flowering stems, carry 6 to 8 whorls of flowers. This candelabra species enjoys a damp spot in the garden and will thrive under such conditions. It is an ideal species beside ponds and streams and assorts well with all of the other candelabras such as Primula bulleyana. The plant spreads itself by self sown seedlings in damp conditions. It also looks very attractive in the garden border in a soil that does not dry out. This is a very hardy Primula and one which will establish itself very quickly. Clump forming which can be divided in early spring. It originates in Yunnan.

European hybrid alpines - Alpine primulas give enormous delight. They are the earliest primula group often flowering from January. February and March is the main flowering period. European hybrid primulas flower at about 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches). Most need cold glasshouse or cold frame culture.

Here we have made a selection for you. Consisting of 9 named varieties. The varieties we will choose have similar colours to those illustrated. Plants supplied bare root and are of flowering size. We simply remove from pot shake off the excess loose compost and they are ready for potting. Each plant comes with a hand written label showing the name of the variety.

Primula japonica ‘Postford White’ (picture top left)
Primula japonica is a classic garden plant of easy culture. A very typical candelabra Primula it has striking whorled tiers of beautiful flowers standing majestically above striking mid-green luxuriant foliage. It is very tolerant of the wettest heavy soils; in fact it will thrive under such conditions. Flowering time is May and height at its peak is 60cm (2 feet). Primula japonica forms a large clump which is easily divided and will self seed all around given damp dappled conditions. It will grow in full light in the bog garden but given some dappled shade will grow in most situations where the soil remains moist at all times. The variety on offer in this collection is ‘Postford White’.

Primula bulleyana subsp. beesiana (picture top right)
A fantastic candelabra for the June garden performing well in all soils that remain moist. Height of flowering is 60 cm (2 feet). This is a very hardy Primula and one which will establish itself very quickly. Clump forming which can be divided in early spring. It originates in Yunnan.
>br> Primula burmanica (picture middle left)
This is a really lovely candelabra Primula. A little taller than other at 70cm (2½ feet) it adds a touch of class to the May garden. The foliage is attractive and a beautiful mid green. It likes to grow in moist soils in dappled light conditions and assorts well with other plants such as Astilbe.

Primula poissonii (picture middle right)
Rather unusually for candelabras this is an evergreen species, which comes from north-west Yunnan and south-west Sichuan. It is a very accommodating species enjoying a range of conditions. The soil should be moist but allowing the excess water to drain away. Dappled to partial shade is ideal. Primula poissonii is an easy plant to keep going in the June garden when it is at its best with flowering stems rising to 70cm (2½ feet) which carry 6 or 7 whorls of flowers.

Primula wilsonii var anisodora (picture bottom left)
This is an elegant, pretty candelabra Primula for a position in the garden that never dries out. Flowering at 40cm (16 inches) it will give a magnificent display in late May to the end of June. The dark evergreen foliage is very attractive. The photograph shows just one of the 5 to 7 whorls of flowers. Primula wilsonii var anisodora is extremely hardy as it originates in south west Sichuan (a province in China). The flowers attract pollinating insects such a bees. Another added bonus is it will spread by self-sown seedlings in moist ground situations.

Primula japonica ‘Valley Red’ (picture bottom right)
Primula japonica is a classic garden plant of easy culture. A very typical candelabra Primula it has striking whorled tiers of beautiful flowers standing majestically above striking mid-green luxuriant foliage. It is very tolerant of the wettest heavy soils; in fact it will thrive under such conditions. Flowering time is May and height at its peak is 60cm (2 feet). Primula japonica forms a large clump which is easily divided and will self seed all around given damp dappled conditions. It will grow in full light in the bog garden but given some dappled shade will grow in most situations where the soil remains moist at all times. The variety on offer in this collection is ‘Valley Red’- a reference to the reddish centre of the flower.

This is Peninsula Primulas’ evergreen perennial Primula collection; the flowering period is from May to June. The offer is for 1 plant each of Primula wilsonii var anisodora, Primula secundiflora and Primula prolifera. (3 plants in total). Plants are supplied bare-root (i.e. without compost), for planting out or potting up. They all make great plants for large pots, planters and sink gardens.

Details of each Primula:

Primula wilsonii var anisodora (top right) This is an elegant, pretty candelabra Primula for a position in the garden that never dries out. Flowering at 40cm (16 inches) it will give a magnificent display in late May to the end of June. The dark evergreen foliage is very attractive. The photograph shows just one of the 5 to 7 whorls of flowers. Primula wilsonii var anisodora is extremely hardy as it originates in south west Sichuan (a province in China). The flowers attract pollinating insects such a bees. Another added bonus is it will spread by self-sown seedlings in moist ground situations.

Primula secundiflora (bottom right) This species is robustly hardy standing many degrees of frost. It grows very well in a moist fertile soil which is never allowed to dry out. It is best suited to a moisture retentive soil but one which allows the excess water to drain away; it therefore likes a good supply of oxygen in the soil. It is an easy plant to grow being long-lived and adaptable especially if planted in a partial sunny spot. The flowering season is May and its flowering height is 50 cm (20 inches). It often self seeds with enthusiasm giving you some very pleasant surprises for free! From north-west Yunnan and south-west Sichuan.

Primula prolifera (left) is a hardy evergreen perennial candelabra.  The whorls of flowers develop on tall stems of about 90cm (3 feet) during May into June.  It is an easy plant to grow. This eastern Sino-Himalayan species is a hardy evergreen perennial candelabra introduce in 1912.  It is an attractive popular clump forming garden plant and the large leaves give it a roughly rugose appearance.

Here we offer four medium to tall candelabra primulas with hot colours suitable for growing in a tub, half barrel or other large container.

Primula chungensis (top left)
The white mealy flower stems grow to 40cm (16 inches) during May into June and produce up to 5 whorls of deep yellow flowers with an orange tube (base of flower).  The orange flower tube is scarlet in bud but orange red in full flower giving a pleasant two-tone effect.  

Primula wilsonii var anisodora (top right)
This is an elegant, pretty candelabra Primula for a cool and shaded position.  Flowering at 40cm (16 inches) it will give a magnificent display in late May to the end of June.  The dark evergreen foliage is very attractive.  The photograph shows just one of the 5 to 7 whorls of flowers.  Primula wilsonii var anisodora is extremely hardy as it originates in south west Sichuan (a province in China).  The flowers attract pollinating insects such a bees.

Primula japonica ‘Valley Red’ (bottom left)

Primula japonica ‘Valley Red’ is a classic garden plant of easy culture.  A very typical candelabra Primula it has striking whorled tiers of rich coloured flowers standing majestically above striking mid-green luxuriant foliage.  Flowering time is May and height at its peak is 60cm (2 feet).    Being the earliest of the “ponicas” to flower (late April) it brings a welcome cheer to the hot tub.

Primula prolifera (bottom right)
Primula prolifera is a hardy evergreen perennial candelabra.  The whorls of flowers develop on tall stems of about 90cm (3 feet) during May into June.  This eastern Sino-Himalayan species is a hardy evergreen perennial candelabra introduce in 1912.  It is an attractive popular clump forming garden plant and the large leaves give it a roughly rugose appearance.  

Please note that varieties may be supplied different to those highlighted, for example Primula japonica Millers Crimson instead of P japonica Valley Red.

All plants supplied are of mature flowering size. All plants are supplied without compost (compost removed or reduced) thus saving on postage costs. Plants are garden ready for planting or potting.

What a name! Don’t be put off by this; you may just as well call it ‘Wondrous’ because that is how it looks. The early leaves in March/April unfold and have a most delightful farina dusted surface. This is a fine dust-like material thought to protect the plant from UV light. This is a very hardy perennial garden Primula and reliably flowers each year. It is a clump forming species which can be divided to provide more plants for your garden; for free! The flowers open as the short (30cm or 1 foot) flowers stem develops. Each plant produces several flower stems. It is an early Primula making it a great addition to the early spring garden. Tolerant of soils which never dry out, even beside the pond margin, this is a most accommodating garden plant. This western Chinese Primula species always gives delight.

Here we offer 9 plants (3 of each variety).

Plants supplied bare-root and are of mature flowering size; they will flower next growing season and beyond.

Primula japonica Postford White - This candelabra has stunning white flowers which have a yellow eye in the centre. It is very prolific and self-seeding spreading around the garden. A must have plant!  The image is of just before the whorls develop.

Primula japonica Valley Red -  Flowering time is May and height at its peak is 60cm (2 feet).  A very typical candelabra Primula it has stunning whorled tiers of beautiful purple red flowers standing majestically above striking mid-green luxuriant foliage.  The image is of just before the whorls develop. 

Primula japonica Apple Blossom - It is a strong grower and the foliage is pale green in colour. It has beautiful apple blossom flowers.

Primula japonica is a classic garden plant of easy culture.  A very typical candelabra Primula it has striking whorled tiers of beautiful flowers standing majestically above striking mid-green luxuriant foliage.  It is very tolerant of the wettest heavy soils; in fact it will thrive under such conditions.  Flowering time is May and height at its peak is 60cm (2 feet).    Primula japonica forms a large clump which is easily divided and will self seed all around given damp dappled conditions. It will grow in full light in the bog garden but given some dappled shade will grow in most situations where the soil remains moist at all times.

A Japanese import some 130 years ago, Primula japonica is a classic garden plant of easy culture. A very typical candelabra Primula it has striking whorled tiers of rich colours standing majestically above striking mid-green luxuriant foliage. It is very tolerant of the wettest heavy soils; in fact it will thrive under such conditions. Flowering time is May and height at its peak is 60cm (2 feet). Primula japonica forms a large clump which is easily divided and will self seed all around given damp dappled conditions. It will grow in full light in the bog garden but given some dappled shade will grow in most situations where the soil remains moist at all times.