Primroses are early spring-blooming plants and usually quite small. During flowering the leaves hardly grow. Soon after the flowering finishes, they begin to make healthy new growth. The species Vulgaris is the most delicate of the cultivated Primula species. Its leaves are coarsely rippled and they decrease in width the nearer the yare to the central rosette. The whole plant is very attractive and the flower is simply constructed.

You will find hybrid primroses of every imaginable color combination. This is the result of work done by professional plant breeders. Different varieties have similar leaf rosettes, but very greatly in stem length, color and the way the flowers are held. The spring flowers of these have a fresh fragrance. The yellow-colored varieties are particularly fragrant. Provided that they are in a cool light position they will thrive. They are ideal for north-facing windows or for outdoor areas. Colored wicker baskets, china pot holders, copper troughs – just about every container you could think of would suite the primrose. Group two or three together in a deep wicker basket and conceal their individual pots with a moss blanket.

Buy plants from the florist, market or garden center but make sure you choose the ones with lots of buds. If you re-pot them water regularly once the plants are well-established. Spring is the time for the plant to blossom fully. Nip out flower stalks as the flowers fade. When flowering has ceased, plant them in a different area if you want to have something more vibrant in the designated area or just move them to the patio. Choose a shady or semi-shady place.

They are really easy to care during the spring and early summer. They may need frost protection during the fall and winter. Water primroses moderately during the spring as they flower, once or twice a week, making sure that they never dry out completely. When outdoors and during the summer, water more generously, keeping permanently moist.