Primula Plant Care

There are more than 500 species in the genus Primula, including auricula, cowslip and oxlip. Most of these beautiful plants bloom in early spring, showing a variety of colors, including white, purple, yellow and pink. The name itself is a form of the Latin primus, which means prime, or first. Primula species can be found throughout the world's temperate zone, in habitats ranging from bogs to alpine meadows.

Although some gardeners prefer to grow a specific species, many commercially-grown cultivars of primula are available. Primula polyanthus is the most widely known variety with the most hybrid forms; this Primula has attractively crinkled leaves that grow in a rosette pattern about 10 inches wide. It blooms in several colors, but most flowers have yellow eyes.

Most Primula grow well in loose garden soil enriched with plenty of humus, especially leaf mold. Additional peat moss is helpful for species that require wetter conditions. Mulch is helpful to reduce heat and preserve moisture in the summer, and provide winter protection. Most Primula species prefer a soil pH of 6.5, but in general, they tolerate a wide pH range.

Primulas like moisture. Some species even require wet, boggy conditions. They should be watered regularly and never allowed to dry out. Species that grow naturally in areas with monsoons may require extra watering during their growth period, and limited watering during dormancy.

In most areas, Primula require protection from the hot afternoon sun. Full sunlight is fine in the spring. By midsummer, morning sunlight is fine, but afternoon sun should be filtered. High filtered shade is ideal for most species.

Transplant Primula seedlings as soon as possible after purchase, and keep them moist before planting them out. When planting a primula, dig a hole that is about double the size of the pot, and mix compost into the dirt. Place the plant so that the top of the root ball and potting mix are at ground level. Fill in the area with the enriched soil and firm it gently. To reduce transplant shock, protect the plant from direct sunlight for the first 24 hours, and keep it well watered. If the weather is dry, mist the plant several times a day for the first few days.

Primulas can easily be increased by division, either when the plants are overgrown, or just to increase the number of plants in the garden. The best time to divide primroses is late winter or very early spring, just after the plants break dormancy. They can also be divided after blooming. Primroses can be grown from seed by experienced gardeners.

It is not necessary to prune or deadhead Primulas, except to keep the garden tidy. Primula polyanthus sometimes re-blooms in the fall if it is cut back hard after blooming in the spring.