The Vernales section of primulas, correctly called section Primula, includes our beloved primrose, cowslip and oxlip, which are usually, but not always, pale yellow. There are also 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 'Dark Rosaleen' is a Polyanthus x Primula cultivar with striking burgundy striped pink flowers with a yellow centre over dark bronze folaige. Originally raised in Ireland.