Contact: Diane Relf, Extension Specialist, Environmental Horticulture
Posted April 1997
Successful culture of primroses requires a cool, partly shady spot away from tree roots as primroses may not successfully compete with them for moisture. If primroses become too dry in the summer they will either lose their leaves and go dormant, or develop a woody rootstock resulting in diminished strength and hardiness. Primroses thrive in the light shade of small ornamental trees where they add a colorful touch to the spring display.
To start a primrose patch, either purchase seedlings from a nursery or sow seeds in a nursery bed or their final location. Starting primroses from seed is inexpensive but challenging. Fresh seeds sown in fall are likely to germinate well and the resulting plants will flower the following spring. Germination is slow and sporadic and the seed bed must be kept moist. When planting seed saved over the winter, try breaking the seed dormancy by freezing and thawing the seed several times.
Once the primrose patch is established it must be maintained yearly. Divide the plants when their leaves begin to overlap neighboring plants. Divisions are simple and should be done immediately after the blooming period, but never during a dry spell. Replace the central crown in its original position and plant the new divisions in a similar location. If only half of the patch is disturbed each year the patch will never miss a blooming period.
Occasionally slugs and spider mites will cause foliage damage, but rarely is either a serious problem. Both can usually be controlled without the use of chemicals. Handpick the slugs from the plants at dusk. Spray the plants with cold water to reduce spider mite populations.
Of the various species available, Primula x polyantha is one of the most popular. It is available in a wide range of colors and each flower has a large yellow central eye. Unlike some of the other primrose species, it does not demand perfect primrose conditions, and therefore is a good choice for the beginning primrose gardener.
(Prepared by Ellen Silva, Extension Technician, Consumer Horticulture, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0327.)
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