Primroses have undergone significant changes since their existence in the forest. Apart from the classic yellow shade, there are numerous colors to choose from, covering all hues of the rainbow with one exception- green. Surprisingly, a green primrose species exists!
Upon first glance, these novel hybrid plants may come off as ostentatious and unsuited for your garden. Nevertheless, it is imperative to keep in mind that they are perfectly suited for a frosty winter garden and play a crucial role in supplying nectar to bees and pollinating insects during the early stages of the season. During my recent visit to Ball Colegrave’s Spring Trials, I was beyond thrilled to discover a plethora of Primroses that catered to all of my gardening aspirations. From frilled to speckled, dotted to striped, the variety was extensive! Prior to delving into the world of Primroses, let us first distinguish them from Polyanthus, as depicted in the image below. Unlike Polyanthus, Primroses feature individual stems for their blooms, while Polyanthus blooms cluster together on a single stem.
The Primlet Series is a result of breeding and offers cost-effective rosebud primroses that can be grown from seed, making them a popular choice for both customers and outlets. The color range of Primlet Series has increased in recent years with the addition of solid and picotee forms. The buds of these primroses are tightly packed and bloom into equally beautiful ruffled flowers.
The Belarina Series is a double-flowered primrose that was a game-changer in the market. They are not just impulse purchases but thrive in the garden, with some plants blooming non-stop for eight months in a cool spot! The color range of the Belarina Series has become gargantuan, with as many shades as the petunia family. They can be considered a petunia for the winter months. The unique standing of the Belarina series in the marketplace is denoted by its ‘Primula’ moniker.
Recently, there has been the addition of a double-flowered polyanthus, the Belarina Polyanthus, which could further complicate things.
Ever since he was a young child, Michael has had an unyielding love for gardening and all things botanical. He proudly refers to himself as a “Plant Geek” and has even been recognized by the Sunday Times as one of the top 20 movers and shakers in the gardening world. This distinction is largely due to his work at Thompson Morgan, where he serves as a plant hunter. Among his many achievements in this role, Michael has discovered new species like the Egg and Chips plant and FuchsiaBerry. His passion for plants has taken him to far-flung corners of the globe, where he continues to explore and learn. Michael is also a sought-after speaker and has given talks all over the world, including in Japan. To stay up-to-date on his latest adventures and insights, fans can follow @mr_plantgeek on social media or subscribe to his plant-focused newsletter, Grow This, Not That.
