Primula

Candelabra primulas are worth growing for their sheer size and the attractive flowers that clothe the stems in whorls. Suitable for herbaceous borders or as marginal plants beside ponds, they will thrive if given a place where the roots will not dry out during the spring or summer.

‘Noverna Deep Blue’ is a fascinating primula with the most intense, deep blue-violet flowers. The flared bell-shaped blooms emerge in summer in tight clusters, held aloft on powdery silver-white stems. This outstanding primula needs no pre-chilling and if sown early, will flower in its first year.

Primula denticulata is one of the very early flowering primulas and one of the easiest to grow. It thrives in a moist organic soil in partial shade and is one of the most uniformly growing types. It is suitable for massed planting in damp borders or boggy soil. Deep purple-blue.

Primula denticulata, the drumstick primula is unique in appearance, and benefits from being grown in a large, showy group. It can be planted to grow under tall, deciduous shrubs, or at the front of borders, but will also look good when planted in a bog garden or close to water. Ruby.

Originating from meadows and the light woodland of the Himalayas this easy-growing species is among the most handsome and striking of the primula family. Primula denticulata is a very early flowering primula and thrives in a moist organic soil in partial shade. White.

Primula denticulata is among the most handsome and striking of the primula family, it is the “drumstick primula”: the name derives from its dense, spherical flower-head. It is an easy-growing, rumbustious species, suitable for any garden where the soil does not dry out in summer. Mixed Colours.

Primula japonica 'Millers Crimson' produces whorls of scarlet-red blooms and makes a wonderful display in shady, damp spots and woodlands. It will grow in full light but given some dappled shade will grow in most situations where the soil remains moist at all times. For the best impact, plant them in large drifts.

The polyanthus primula “Gold Lace” has unusual golden-eyed flowers with rich mahogany-crimson petals with gold laced edges. It has ovate mid-green leaves, occasionally with a reddish tint and a pronounced scent.