Primrose Flower
All About the Primrose Flower
The Primrose flower is a perennial flower that is very hardy, and includes a wide array of varieties. The plant is native to North America, Europe and Asia. In North America, it was originally found in the Northwest and Midwest areas.
There are quite a few types of Primrose. For the purposes of gardening, you can put them in two separate groups: the plants that grow on hillsides or cliffs, and the type that grow in woodlands and bogs. This type prefers wet soils that are rich in nutrients. Others thrive better in dry soil. Most of the various types of Primrose grow to a height of between eight and fifteen inches.
The Primrose flower comes in many colors, some in clusters and some with single blooms. The flowers have a sweet fragrance, and bloom all through the summer. New plants won't throw flowers until their second year. They make excellent cover for hillsides and roadside areas.
Primrose are generally grown from seed. They typically do not transplant very well. The best way to grow them is to seed your garden or hillside bed directly. Seed the beds early in the growing season, and cover with a light amount of soil. A good rule of thumb for spacing is to allow twelve to fifteen inches between seeds.
Primrose plants are not difficult to grow. They enjoy cooler weather, and partial or full sun. They grow best in soil from average to loamy, depending on the variety. Mix in a healthy amount of mold from leaves before you plant. If you can get leaf mold on a regular basis, it should be added once a year in mulch form, to help in fertilizing the plants. Most varieties of the Primrose flower are tolerant of drought, and these make an especially hardy ground cover for drier areas.
Once the Primrose have established themselves in your garden or bed, they will thrive, and will bloom nearly all summer long with no extra attention needed. They will typically bloom the second year after you plant them. They usually survive the first frosts of the winter season before they go dormant for the winter. They don't need any protection or mulching to survive the winter.
The Primrose flower is seldom bothered by disease or insects. If you do notice them, treat right away with fungicides or insect repellents.
Primrose plants are all very needy when it comes to watering. Water every day, from below the pots, in a pan with pebbles and water or a wick type waterer.
In addition to outside beds, there are three Primrose plants that are very well-suited for a window garden. Their bloom colors vary between pink, lilac and deep rose. They are a truly lovely addition to your garden.