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 matthioli produces its dainty pink flowers on stems which rise 30cm (1 foot) above very attractive mid green foliage. It is a hardy woodland plant that enjoys dappled conditions but where the soil remains moist at all times. It is also an ideal subject for a pot or container which should be positioned in a cool position; east facing is ideal. Flowering time is May. Plants supplied as bare-root mature flowering sized ready to plant or pot.

Primula japonica is a classic garden plant of easy culture. A very typical candelabra Primula it has stunning 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.

This is a robust perennial Primula which should be known better and grown more widely. It is very accommodating and easily looked after. P polyneura is a hardy species from north-west China and so is no stranger to harsh very cold winters. The conditions which are most suitable are a soil which drains excess water away but remains moist especially during the summer and a cool place. In its native habitat it grows in abundance in situations ranging from open mountain to the edge of moist shaded woodland spots. As it is long-lived you can look forward to the masses of flowers in April each year. Flowering height is about 30 cm (1 foot).

A Japanese import some 130 years ago, Primula japonica is a classic garden plant of easy culture. A very typical candelabra Primula it has stunning 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.

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.

A Japanese import some 130 years ago, Primula japonica is a classic garden plant of easy culture. A very typical candelabra Primula it has stunning whorled tiers of rich colour 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 is a selection which I call ‘Meadow Mix’. This mix has a range of pinkish hues.

This Japanese species is a very dependable woodland plant; often tolerating less than damp conditions during the summer months. However, it should be planted in a situation which is generally supplied with moisture but it does not need a saturated soil. It will grow well in damp shaded sites. The pink flowers are carried on stems up to 22 cm (9 inches) tall above hairy (underside) kidney shaped foliage. Flowering time is late April into May. It more or less forms a clump but the short creeping rhizome habit ensures limited spread. Plants supplied bare-root and are of flowering size.

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.

Many primulas are tolerant of very wet heavy sticky soils - This selection will grow well in wet or damp woodland.

Key features of this collection:

• 9 X Primulas suitable for damp woodland
• Flowering season spring and early summer
• Heights range 40 to 60 cm, colours are pastel and soft to the eye
• Ideal starter plants if you have not Grown primulas before
• Plants supplied are of flowering size, will flower next season

Here we offer 9 X plants of Primula. Hardy ornamental garden plants suitable for damp woodland or a shaded part of your garden. The ideal woodland conditions include, a cool moist root run, lack of competition from surface rooting trees and a deep rotted leaf or organic layer into which the primulas can extend their root systems. Dappled light is ideal but many will thrive where they can receive shafts of light coming through the tree canopy. Soil conditions must never become dry. Plants chosen are those that are available at the time. This means that those supplied may vary from the illustration. Plants are supplied with reduced compost and depending on time of year may be bare-root or root-balled, without pots. Included in the collection are candelabras, bell flowered Primulas and scented types. Each plant will come labelled with its name and the range of colours will ensure each one is different. A stunning collection! The colours will be similar to those illustrated in the item image. The selection here range in height from 40 cm (18") to 60 cm (2ft). All of them prefer a cool position and dappled light.Plants supplied are of mature flowering size.