A really pretty addition to the late spring and early summer garden, this variable, semi-evergreen perennial looks wonderful when planted in drifts or swathes. The foliage forms a basal rosette from which softly hairy stems arise bearing clusters of bell shaped, soft yellow flowers. Wonderful in a woodland garden or other naturalised setting.
How to care for Primula elatior:
Generally, problem-free but do ensure that the ground does not get too dry, especially where the plant is growing in full sun.
Growing instructions:
In autumn, surface sow in trays filled with a good seed mix, before just covering with a sprinkling of sharp sand or grit. Place in a cold frame over winter and the warmer temperatures in spring, should trigger germination. Alternatively, sow indoors in spring, maintaining temperatures around 15-20C. If germination has not started after 6 weeks, cold stratify by placing the seed tray in the fridge for 4-6 weeks before returning to warmer conditions. When large enough to handle, grow on in individual pots and gradually acclimatise before planting out.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.45m
Eventual spread:
0.45m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
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This perennial is semi-evergreen so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new growth appears again in spring.