Primroses in numerous color variations are very popular both in the garden and in the home. They are extremely easy to care for.
The primula is primarily at home in the northern hemisphere, where it is not only found in the wild or in domestic gardens. It can also be placed on the balcony, terrace or in the apartment. The colorful perennial plant, which is also known as Primula in Latin, blooms all year round, depending on the species. More than 500 species belong to the plant genus, with the term "cowslip" only being appropriate for a few species. Unfortunately, some species only last one year, but others can also overwinter, provided they have the right location. It is easy to care for, which is why it is one of the most popular flowers of all.
Short profile of the primula
| Primula(Primula) | |
|---|---|
| Family: | Cowslip family (Primulaceae) |
| Growth: | 5 - 10 cm |
| Growth form: | herbaceous, groundcover |
| Flowering: | varies depending on species and variety |
| Location: | sunny to slightly shady |
| Floor: | slightly acidic, nutritious, permeable |
| Special Features: | Your glandular secretions cause allergic symptoms and can lead to symptoms of poisoning. The flower is highly toxic to pets. |
| Hiberation: | Most primroses are annuals and are therefore not overwintered. Other species can be overwintered, but usually only last a second season. |
3 primrose species
Primroses are basically divided into three types, which are cared for, watered and overwintered differently. These are:
- Cushion Primrose (Primula Vulgaris): is particularly suitable for planting in the garden. It is a hybrid bred from Cowslip and Cowslip.
- Lilac primula (Primula malacoides): It grows up to 30 centimeters high. Their felt-like leaves, which have a sawtooth-like edge, are typical.
- Cup Primula (Primula obconica): The species has a relatively long flowering period and is often kept in pots. It contains a particularly large amount of primine, which is why it is also known as the "poison primrose".
It is sometimes the case that the variety of primula is so high that numerous other species can be found in the garden trade. In most cases, however, it is just one of the three species mentioned above, which have been given a different name because of their colour.
The right place for primroses
All in all, the primrose needs one thing above all: a bright location. Depending on the species, however, the ideal temperatures that the plant should receive differ.
- Cushion Primrose: It loves a temperature of five to ten degrees Celsius and is ideal to keep on the windowsill. In the garden they are best planted in a partially shaded spot.
- Lilac Primrose: Temperatures of ten to 15 degrees are ideal for them. Combined with a semi-shady place that is airy and does not get too warm, it will sprout into full bloom.
- Cup Primrose: In addition to the brightness, this primrose needs a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius. She likes a little sun but should not get too much of it. Direct sunlight is not recommended for her either.
Overall, it is irrelevant whether the primula is planted indoors or in the garden. If she finds the right conditions, she will show a rich bloom. In general, it is also recommended to protect them from too much rain.
Suitable soil for primroses
The flower loves soils that have a high content of humus. If you plant them in a bed, nutrient-rich loamy soil makes sense. The soil should be fresh, well drained and moist. Ideally, it has a slightly acidic pH.
A mixture of compost and bark mulch is ideal because the mixture stores water and is particularly permeable to air.
Watering primroses
Primroses prefer soft water that is as stale as possible and at room temperature. If you have the opportunity, you should also filter the water to remove limescale.
When watering, you should make sure that the substrate is always sufficiently moist, but not too wet. The soil should never dry out, but waterlogging is not tolerated. Excess irrigation water should therefore be bestbe thrown away.
Fertilize primroses
During flowering you can fertilize the primula a little. The best way to do this is to use a liquid fertilizer that is added to the irrigation water. In terms of its ingredients, however, it should only be dosed weakly.
It is used to fertilize ideally every two weeks.
Other care measures for the primula
All you need to do to show off your primrose is to trim it from time to time. This means that wilted leaves and flowers are regularly removed. This also contributes to the he althy blooming of the plant while also prolonging the flowering period.
Propagation and sowing of primroses
When sowing primroses, it is important to use seeds that are not older than eight to ten months. It is sown in a box filled with moist soil. After the seed has been scattered on the ground, it is covered with a thin layer of sand or left as it is.
Primroses need light and a good microclimate with high humidity to germinate. Therefore, it is best to place the box at temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius and cover it with cling film at the same time.
If you keep primroses in the garden, they tend to multiply themselves and thus spread little by little. Controlled breeding is done by collecting the seeds and letting them germinate. This is best done in autumn, as the primroses need a cold period of several weeks to germinate.
Another way of propagation is by dividing the root. To do this, dig up the primrose bushes after flowering, divide them into several parts and release them again. It is important that the root system is well developed so that it can grow back well in fresh soil.
Winter primroses
Usually, primroses last only one year and are disposed of after flowering. But if you want to let the flower overwinter, you should look again at the species.
- Cushion Primrose: If it is a variety that flowers very late, then it is hardy and survives cold periods very well. If, on the other hand, it blooms early, it is best to cover it in the garden so that it does not freeze to death if there is a possible snow cover. Alternatively, you can bring them into the apartment and offer them the ideal site conditions there so that they will bloom again next year.
- Cup Primrose: Ideally, it overwinters indoors, where itexposed to a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius. During dormancy from November to February, it is fertilized once and watered only occasionally.
- Lilac primula: These plants are usually only annuals, which is why their seeds are held back and resown in spring.
For all varieties that overwinter both indoors and in the garden, it is important to water them more heavily again at the beginning of the growing season. If the plant sprouts, it is also fertilized as recommended.
If you want to provide your primula with more light
, hang fluorescent tubes 20 centimeters above the plant. However, this is not necessary in the conservatory or on the windowsill of a south-facing window.Diseases and Pests
The primula reacts very sensitively to excessive moisture. This often happens when the primrose is kept on the balcony or in the apartment. When this happens, the plant develops root or stem rot. She also doesn't like it when the temperature drops below ten degrees Celsius.
If the plant has yellow leaves, it may be suffering from a magnesium deficiency. In this case, treatment with an appropriate agent containing magnesium sulphate is recommended.
Particularly with custard primroses, various leaf spot diseases often occur. It makes sense to remove the affected leaves as soon as possible. Primroses on the other hand are sensitive to s alt and tend to develop gray mould when exposed to too much cold and moisture.
In relation to pests that like to eat the plant, the vine weevil should be mentioned. This insect eats the leaves and likes to lay its larvae inside the plant. Unfortunately, the latter are difficult to see with the naked eye.
Furthermore, thunderflies (thrips) often settle in primroses. They use the plant as a host to lay their larvae in, as they feed on the new shoots. Unfortunately, the damage can usually only be recognized when it is already too late for the plant.