Primula vialii (orchid primrose) 9 X plants of this exotic primula

A superb primula. Scarlet red and blue violet flowers on strong 60cm (18”) stems.  The orchid primrose is a most worthy garden plant which has been grown for over 100 years.  A later flowering Primula adorning the June garden but often extending its flowering period into July.  Strong spikes of scarlet red and blue violet flowers stand up to 60 cm (18”).  When established it will produce multi-stemmed clumps carrying masses of flowers.  Best grown in groups of 5 or more plants in fertile moist soils which allow excess water to drain away.  Primula vialii is a robust plant and likes moist but not saturated conditions.  The best conditions are in good light especially during the morning so an east facing aspect is ideal.  Best to avoid hot south facing aspects where the plants will be baked dry during the summer.  When grown in groups it will produce lots of seeds and these will self sow in cool damp conditions.

Excellent in pots, containers of all sorts and even in the rock garden as a centrepiece in a damp spot.

Plants supplied as mature flowering sized and with reduced compost rootballed ready for planting and will flower the very next season.

Primula denticulata, the drumstick primrose, is an extremely hardy and easy early spring flowering garden plant. Stems rise to a height of 30 cm (1 foot) and produce neat spherical heads of ruby flowers. The species is widespread throughout the Sinohimalayan region and grows abundantly in wet places. Much variation occurs in the wild in terms of size and colour. This ruby form on offer is a garden selection. It will grow in a wide variety of garden sites from wet soils to average soil conditions. In a reality it grows well just about anywhere that does not get bone dry during the summer. Sun or partial shade is ideal. Plants supplied are bare-root, mature flowering size which will flower next growing season.

Primula denticulata is an extremely hardy and easy early spring flowering garden plant. Stems rise to a height of 30 cm (1 foot) and produce neat spherical heads of pure lilac, mauve or purple flowers. Plants supplied are bare-root, mature flowering size which will flower next growing season.

Primula denticulata, the drumstick primrose, is an extremely hardy and easy early spring flowering garden plant. Stems rise to a height of 30 cm (1 foot) and produce neat spherical heads of pure lilac, mauve or purple flowers. The species is widespread throughout the Sinohimalayan region and grows abundantly in wet places. Much variation occurs in the wild in terms of size and colour. This white form on offer is a garden selection. It will grow in a wide variety of garden sites from wet soils to average soil conditions. In a reality it grows well just about anywhere that does not get bone dry during the summer. Sun or partial shade is ideal. Plants supplied are bare-root, mature flowering size which will flower next growing season.

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.

Primula muscarioides is an easy to grow species which originates from an area close to 3 Chinese provinces; Tibet, Yunnan and Sichuan. In May / June the flowering stem grows to 25 cm (10inches) which proudly carries the spike made up of many flowers well above the foliage. Best grown in medium to large sized groups for best effect. Easily grown from seed. It is best to give this plant some shelter, good light and a soil which is moisture retentive but well drained. When 5 plants are grown in a container the size of a bucket a wonderful display is achieved.

Primula X kewensis is an interesting hybrid between P verticillata and P floribunda which is self fertile and breeds true from seed.  It is a lovely pot plant for conservatory or cold glasshouse. It flowers in late winter over a long time. It also has decorative farina-covered foliage giving it a whitish appearance.  All plants supplied are of flowering size and posted bare-root, without compost or pot.

A dwarf alpine plant most suited to container gardening.  Sinks, troughs and other containers should be sited in a cool position.  East facing is ideal as the plants receive early morning sun at the coolest time of day.  They do like light but not the strong drying sun of the afternoon.  It is also a very nice addition to the alpine house and of course for showing.  Sets seed with enthusiasm.

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

A short alpine plant most suited to container gardening.  Sinks, troughs and other containers should be sited in a cool position.  East facing is ideal as the plants receive early morning sun at the coolest time of day.  Does like light but not the strong drying sun of the afternoon.  It is also a very nice addition to the alpine house and of course for showing.  Sets seed with enthusiasm.

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

This outstanding garden primula species comes from north-west Yunnan where it grows in open pine forest and rocky damp pastures. In the garden a dappled woodland site is ideal and in soils that remain moist but are not excessively wet. It assorts well with other classic garden plants such as Rhododendron and enjoys the same conditions; rich peaty acid soils. It is a wonderful garden plant which has been cultivated for about 100 years since it was introduced in 1914 by the famous Scottish plant collector George Forrest. This strong growing perennial unusual primula has attractive spikes of pendant scented lavender blue mealy-faced flowers in May / June; timing is dependent on season and locality. The flowering stem holds the flower head about 30 cm (1 foot) above the foliage. Plants are supplied as bare-root mature flowering sized plants; they will flower next growing season.

This delightful primrose enjoys the same conditions as the common or wild type; cool dappled conditions, and without competition from other plants.  Any ordinary garden soil will suffice.  Can be lifted after flowering divided and replanted to extend the group.  Plants supplied are of flowering size and posted bare-root without compost or pot.