Primula vulgaris ^AGM

Primulaceae

Primula vulgaris

Primula vulgaris

Primula vulgaris wild in Scotland

The Vernales section of primulas includes ours beloved primrose, cowslip and oxlip, which are usually, but not always, pale yellow, but there are some bright pink species from further afield – not to mention the polyanthus hybrids, with appallingly vivid colours, fortunately kept away from us in municipal plantings in the middles of roundabouts.

		Primula elatior is rare in Britain, but common in Europe. The oxlip has upright stems with clusters of flowers, rather smaller than those of the primrose, and of a similar pale yellow. This is a strain derived from plants that we believe originated in France, and which we have grown for many years. Occasional seedlings that appear to be hybrids with Primula vulgaris are weeded out, but it is possible that they could occur again.
		Primula elatior ex 'Magnifica' represents seedlings of a selected form of the oxlip, with a name that does not appear to be generally recognised. Nevertheless the name does give the game away; it is a strong form with large flowers, perhaps a little paler than usual.
		Primula elatior SDR5439 is the cowslip, which has upright stems with clusters of flowers, somewhat smaller than those of the primrose, and bright yellow. This is a collection from woods in northern Croatia.
		Primula elatior SDR6327 is rare in Britain, but common in Europe. The oxlip has upright stems with clusters of flowers, a little smaller than those of the primrose, and of a similar pale yellow, but larger and paler than those of the cowslip, Primula veris.
		Primula cf. elatior SDR6955 came from the central Alps, where it is commonly found, although the oxlip is a rare species in Britain. It has upright stems with clusters of flowers, somewhat smaller than those of the primrose and of a similar pale yellow, but larger than those of the cowslip, Primula veris, and not such a bright yellow.
		Primula 'Gigha' is an excellent variety of the primrose, reliably producing its pure white flowers very early in spring, and from time to time throughout the year. It multiplies rapidly, and will soon form a good patch, particularly if the plants are split every few years.
		Primula juliae is named after Julia Mlokosewitch, so we can be glad that this pretty Primula did not suffer the fate of the other plant named after her, Paeonia mlokosewitchii. This parent of well-known hybrids such as 'Wanda' makes a low mat, with the rich, deep, pink-purple flowers on very short stems above it.
		Primula 'Lady Greer' has the general appearance and structure of an oxlip (Primula elatior), with short, upright stems, each bearing a small cluster of pale yellow flowers. It is a very reliable and easy plant, soon making a good patch of colour. It pays to split the clumps every few years.
		Primula 'Mrs Marjorie Banks' is not a name that we can find in any official document, but it appears to be one of the juliana hybrids (formally Primula x pruhoniciana). This group includes the well-known Primula 'Wanda'. Like that, Mrs. Banks makes a low mat, with the lovely clear pink flowers, each with a prominent yellow eye, held up on short stems.
		Primula veris is the cowslip, an old-time favourite, found decreasingly in meadows, in the shelter of hedges and at woodland edges, but increasingly on motorway embankments. The flowers, several to each stem, are smaller and richer yellow than those of the primrose, but backed by pale green calyces and stems, so the appearance from a distance is of a pale yellow.
		Primula cf. veris SDR6350 is a collection of the well-loved cowslip, in this case from towards the southern end of the Alps. It has the typical clusters of bright yellow flowers, contrasting with the light green calyces, which make it appear to be pale yellow when viewed from a distance.