Most primroses and primulas do best in partial shade, with moisture-retentive soil. Some are more suited to growing in bog gardens and other varieties will tolerate slightly drier conditions, as long as there's plenty of humus incorporated into the soil when planting. Most don't grow well in harsh, direct sunlight.

Do primulas like sun or shade?

They like a fertile, moist but well drained soil in sun or dappled shade.

Do primulas spread?

Primroses will spread steadily, especially if exposed to light every few years, so if they are in a border make sure they are under planting shrubs that can be pruned hard every now and then. ... The cowslip, Primula veris, is a primula whose coronet of small flowers is borne on a single long stem.

Do primulas need full sun?

Primula is a woodland plant, enjoying a position in semi-shade, and benefit from a mulch of organic matter or leaf mould. Primula are tough plants and will do well in most spots as long as it is not too dry or baking hot sun.

Can you plant primulas outside?

Plant out between autumn and spring in a sheltered position, in any good garden soil, in sun or partial shade. Add plenty of leaf mould and humus at planting time and water well until established. Polyanthus will even do well in heavy clay soils, provided they are not waterlogged in winter.

How to plant and Primulas or Primroses. When where and how to grow Primulas aka Primroses.

27 related questions found

Can primulas grow in pots?

Plant them into containers individually or with other spring-flowering plants or use them to fill gaps in flower borders. Also, drainage is always important, especially during wet spring weather. Line the base of pots with a layer of coarse gravel or similar drainage material.

Do primroses grow in the shade?

Primroses tend to prefer climates with cool summers — plant in partial shade to avoid the intense summer heat. Many primroses will take full sun, but usually require constant or at least good moisture levels. As a rule, primroses do not like to dry out.

Do primroses grow well in shade?

Where to plant primroses. Choose a location with full sun or only partial shade – primroses cope well with being transplanted, so you can move them when conditions change season to season.

How long do primula flowers last?

How long do primrose flowers last? Although there are many different factors that affect how long primrose flowers last, you can expect a blooming period of up to six weeks. The plant itself should continue to bloom every year for up to five years under the right conditions.

What's the difference between primulas and primroses?

Well primroses and polyanthus are both primulas. Primula is the botanical name for both and for dozens of other primulas too, which grow wild all around the northern hemisphere. The botanical name for primrose is Primula vulgaris and Primula veris is our other common primula, the cowslip.

Do you deadhead primulas?

Generally, all primulas will benefit from deadheading, unless you want them to set seed. You may want to remove old foliage in winter, to tidy up the rosettes of leaves, which are generally evergreen or semi-evergreen. Most primula clumps need dividing every few years to rejuvenate the plant.

What Colours are primulas?

They come in a wide variety of colors, including purple, blue, pink, white, orange, red, and yellow. Primrose flowers often grow in clusters on long stems, with up to 30 or 40 petals on each stem, giving them a dense, full look.

Are primulas frost hardy?

Primulas can take frost and will provide you with an abundance of colour until things warm up. ... Primroses are wild woodland flowers, loving cool, damp banks shaded by trees or shrubs. They'll love being planted on a bank and will spread exceptionally quickly.

Do primulas flower in winter?

Primroses are perennials that are particularly appreciated for their fall, winter and spring blooming and the bright colors of their flowers. They are also used as indoor plants (Primula malacoides and abconica) where they stand out wherever they're set.

What kind of sun do primroses like?

Primrose is widely adapted and, depending on variety, will do well in full sun to light shade. These plants are attractive in groupings, and the spreading forms make a lovely groundcover. Oenothera prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate high pH levels.

Does Primrose grow in partial shade?

It can survive in partial shade, but it really needs quite a lot of direct sunlight if you want to get the most out of the blooming flowers. Evening primrose will not survive in a completely shaded area, so be sure there is some direct sunlight in the planting location you choose.

When can I move primroses?

Primroses and polyanthus can be divided either immediately after flowering or in early autumn. Dividing in May has the advantage of giving a longer growing season, but exposes the divisions to the stress of summer heat and drought when they are at their most vulnerable.

When can I plant primroses outside?

In USDA zones 9 and 10, it can be planted in late winter or early spring and will behave as an annual.

Why are my primulas not flowering?

Problems with Primrose Perennials

If primrose plants are not getting enough drainage, they may also be prone to crown rot and root rot. ... Too much moisture can also make the primrose flower susceptible to fungal infections. This can often be prevented by using good watering habits and adequate spacing between plants.

Are primulas Evergreen?

A reliable bloomer, Primula 'Crescendo Bright Red' (Polyanthus Primrose) is a semi-evergreen or evergreen perennial producing umbels of bright red flowers adorned with a bright yellow heart. Blooming from late winter to early spring, they stand out beautifully against the rosette of oval, wrinkled, dark green leaves.

How do you look after primroses in pots?

Q How should I care for primroses? A If growing in a pot, add a controlled-release fertiliser when planting, or liquid feed with a high potash food, such as tomato food, when the plants are coming into flower. Deadhead primroses regularly and remove any yellowing or dead leaves as soon as you see them.

Can Primula grow indoors?

Primulas are known as fun, colourful winter and spring plants for indoors and outdoors. ... The plant is therefore perfect to herald the spring. The Primula obconica has long flower stems, the variety acaulis means 'without stem'.

Why are my primrose leaves turning yellow?

One common and easily treated problem is improper watering. Primroses need moist but not waterlogged soil. Make sure to water them regularly, but plant them in soil with good drainage to ensure they don't stand in water, which can cause root rot and yellowing leaves.