Primroses are a wonderful early spring flower. Last weekend I toured the Leonard J. Buck Garden with my brother and his wife. Spring has been slow there, as well as here, but a few of the primroses were in bloom.
There are many types of primroses, but all of them are hardy and like a damp site and humusy soil. I have even seen them growing in the water at the edge of a temporary spring stream. They bloom in the spring before most trees have leafed out and enjoy the sun, but they will need some shade as summer arrives. They are easy to transplant. You can divide them and transplant them after they bloom. Be sure to keep them well watered after transplanting. They will spread if they are in a happy spot.
Primroses come in a variety of forms and colors, but none of them are difficult to grow. I got my first primrose at a local supermarket. I planted it at the edge of a woodland and it has bloomed for many years but it has not spread very much. I think that spot is not as wet as would be ideal.
I once planted some primroses between some rhododendrons, but that was not a good idea. The rhodies grew and their low branches hid the primroses. I moved them to join my supermarket primrose and they are all quite happy.
These candelabra primroses grow on the Bridge and Flowers and I expect some of them will be for sale at the Annual Plant Sale on Saturday, May 17 in Shelburne.
I love the buttery yellow primroses. They make me think spring will soon be here.
Primroses are one of my favorite winter/early spring flowers here. They hunker down when it heats up but usually return in the fall. I read that in England primula is also known as cowslips. Nice photos of the primroses!
Dorothy – I don’t mind if plants have a short season in the garden when they are as lovely as ‘cowslips.’ Hard to know which is the prettier name – cowslips or primroses.
I’ve never seen a primrose like the Candelabra before–wow! Primroses are such pretty little plants–I like their vivid colors, almost as if their faces had been painted. Hope spring is moving your way, Pat!
I adore primroses too…and as they are growing, I will divide them and share the spring beauty. How can you not love a flower that puts up with cold, ice, snow and critters munching on it.
Rose – There are so many primroses, some sweet and pale and some really dramatic.
Donna – I agree. Primroses are stalwart!