Primrose – Primula spp.

Common Name: Primrose

Botanical Name: Primula spp., PRIM-u-la

Decorative Life: 2-4 weeks or more, depending on use in the garden or indoors.

Flower Color: Blue, Pink, White, Yellow

Availability: Spring, Year Round

With P. vulgaris ‘Dania Skarlagen’, unknown production factors induced from 8 to 100% plant and flower collapse. One possible cause for this collapse is fungus gnat larvae.

• Members of the Primulaceae (primrose family).
• Depends on species, from China to New Hampshire.
• Common relatives include cyclamen, shooting-star and loosestrife.

• Genus classed as a dicotyledon, leaves not parallel veined.
• Flowers are rounded 1-2 inches across, in various forms of clusters held above foliage.
• Leaves usually form a clump, often lighter green in color.
• Many species and cultivars have significant fragrance.

Holding plants at 55F produce much better results than holding them at 68F.

• One species grown as a potted plant is P. obconica, also known as Poison or German Primrose. Indeed, some people are allergic to its leaves resulting in skin rash and itching.
• The name Primula is a diminutive of “primus”, referring to its early blooming. One species, P. veris, means first of the spring, in reference to its flowering.
• The commonly grown P. obconia has been shown to cause contact dermatitis related problems with some individuals.
• Will generally do well in light levels at least bright enough to read a newspaper in comfort but more light would be better. One favorite cultivar of P. acaulis and its respective flower colors include ‘Pageant’ (many bright colors).