Primula

 

Primula elator - Oxslip

 

I need inspiration to write.  I am not the best writer, things just come out when they are ready and sometimes not that clear.  But when I am inspired, then I can write this quickly. 

 

P. denticulata - Drumstick Primula

 



We were off to a Primula Workshop at the Agricultural College in Truro, NS. (I am not getting into a naming argument) sponsored by the Nova Scotia Rock Garden Society.  Several of you who read this blog were there, and I think I can say that even I learned a few new things.



 

P. denticulata - The highly desirable white form

 

I learned that most primula need moist conditions, throughout the spring, summer and fall.  Some like shade but many do well in sun as long as moisture is provided.  I learned that mid winter is probably the best time to seed primula and that for certain types of primula, you can actually take cuttings (that I didn't know).  You can actually root the leaves of some of them similar to African Violets and Streptocarpus.

P. veris - Cowslip

 

I know from experience that if you have different species you can have primulas in bloom from early spring (April) right through till July.  There is even a species that blooms in the fall (didn't know, want that one).

P. frondosa - Birds Eye Primula

I did a count when I got home (people were asking just how many I did carry).  I have 12 listed on the web site.  I know I have several colours of Pruhonicensis and have added more doubles since I last updated my list (limited supply). 

 

Primula japonica - Japanese Primula

 



We were given 10 different species of seed.  I can't wait to try.  Pam Eveleigh was our speaker and instructor for the day.  She has a great website, Primula World, everything you need to know about primula and amazing photos that put mine to shame.

 

 

Primula auricula Francesca 

 

This Francesca is one of my favourites.  When it starts to bloom in May, the bloom continues to hold throughout the summer months.

 

Primula Sielboldii  - Pink seed selection

Primula Sielboldii  'Yubisugata

Primula Sielboldii  'Sayogorama' 

I love the Snowflake or Cherry Blossom Japanese (not to be confused with japonica) Primroses.  Instead of forming clumps, they grow by runners (not evasive).  The foliage is an apple green and they bloom later than most (June).  The foliage will die back in the summer if it is too warm or not enough moisture.  I have to get me some more of these.

 



 

Primula Pruhonicensis

 

I think I have raved about seed in the past, this primula (P. Pruhonicensis hybrid) was purchased from Garden's North in 2002. In the catalogue it states that they are polyanthas, but they don't quite look like them and I have not seen the name in any other reference search.
There is P. Pruhoniciana although, but the images don't really match.
 I forgot to quiz Pam about this.
Maybe some one out there has a suggestion.

More Construction

There is always something that needs fixed in the garden.  Andrew built me these rock walls to display my plants for sale probably 13 years ago.  He said he did not want to see wooden benches.  And I really like the natural feel it gives to the garden.  Anyway, the walls are holding up well, but they do tend to sag once in a while.  This part needed rebuilt.



While he was removing stones he found two small salamanders which I removed to a new location down the wall.  Thank goodness it wasn't snakes.  Never have seen one in the nursery area even with the rock walls.  Nothing against snakes, they have their benefits, but if they started to come around, the wall would go.

I talked about putting another small wall on the other side of the walkway, just to give it a more finished look.  Have been talking about doing it for years.  It only took 3/4 of an hour to do.

And it makes it look so much better. 

After Andrew finish this wall, he took on another project. 

 More on that later.

The Hellebours are blooming.

This one is called White Spotted Lady

Hellebours are sometimes called the Christmas Rose although they are not in the rose family at all.  They are an evergreen plant (leaves stay green throughout the winter) with the flower buds peeking through the ground as soon as the snow leaves in early April.  The current plant's leaves do not emerge until the plant is just past its peak bloom.

The flower has  5 petals that may be streaked with coloured veins or blotches.  Some varieties have double the amount of petals.  The flowers tend to fade a bit as they mature and set seed, but retain their form for many months.  It is very common to find many seedlings at the base of the plant the following season after it has bloomed.  It can take a few years for the plant to become established and put on a good show.

Primula elatior Oxlip

This proves you can always learn something new.  For years I have been calling this primula Oxslip.  In looking up some facts for primula's, I was surprised to find there is no 's' in it.  I have been miss pronouncing it for years.  These lovely little spring time blooming perennials prefer a moist woodland soil with spring sun.  They are one of the first primulas to bloom.  You can find primulas to bloom over 2 months.  Will write more about them later also.  Now I need to get back to the garden.