Growing Guide
 
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Primrose, Polyanthus Hybrids

Herbaceous Perennial Flower

Primula x polyantha
Primulaceae Family

Dense clusters of flowers bloom in spring and summer and are great companions for Bleeding Hearts, Hostas, Hellebores. These Primrose hybrids come in many bright colors and bicolors and make great bedding plants.

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Site Characteristics
Sunlight:
  • part shade

Soil conditions:

  • requires well-drained soil
Prefers moist but well-drained soil.

Hardiness zones:

  • 3 to 8
Plant Traits

Lifecycle: perennial

Ease-of-care: easy

Height: 0.66 to 1 feet

Spread: 0.66 to 1 feet

Bloom time:

  • mid-spring
  • late spring

Flower color:

  • red
  • orange
  • yellow
  • blue
  • indigo
  • violet
  • white
  • pink

Flowers appear in every color except green. Bicolors are common.

Foliage color: medium green

Foliage texture: medium

Shape: cushion, mound or clump

Foliage continues to grow into a low rosette after blooming.

Shape in flower: flower stalks with sprays of flowers

Flowers appear in dense clusters on a strong, hairy stalk.

Special Considerations
Special characteristics:
  • deer resistant
  • non-aggressive
  • non-invasive
  • not native to North America - Hybrid with parents from Europe, Asia, Middle East and Russia.
Growing Information
How to plant:

Propagate by seed, division or separation - Can be divided after flowering in the spring. Seed germinates best when fresh.

Maintenance and care:
Doesn't need frequent division. Divide in early spring.

Winter mulch is helpful where snow cover is minimal.

More growing information: How to Grow Perennials

Pests:
Spider mites
Slugs
Varieties
'Pacific Giant' shades of blue, yellow, pink, white. Large flowers, often with contrasting "eyes."