Look for spring when primroses, or Primula, bloom

Photo by Joan Weed.
Primroses come in a variety of colors and petal shapes. — Photo by Joan Weed. Primroses come in a variety of colors and petal shapes.

Among the many sought after signs of spring, a not so common one is the budding and blooming of primroses. The genus is called Primula in its Latin name.

In England, the chatter about the primrose is noisy, and you’ll find mentions of them in poetry and theatre. Although not native to North America, it has been introduced and hybridized into many forms. Japan and the Himalayan regions are where most of the introductions emanate. The Primulas I am speaking of are a different plant than evening primroses. That genus is officially Oenothera. They bloom in high summer.

Spring primroses bloom here in April and May, and the candelabra forms tend to bloom in late June. Plants love diffused light and moist woodland soil and can often be found near vernal pools or along stream banks. They don’t like wet feet, nor do they like very dry conditions. They will go dormant in summer’s dry heat. Grown in woodland gardens with high canopies on trees, they are most successful. They are hardy in zones 2-9.

While the species blooms are yellow clusters, the hybridized versions come in many colors and bloom forms. Petals can be scalloped, clustered, saw-toothed or even bell-like. They come in various shades of red, pink, pure white, lavender and purple.

The candelabra form of primrose is named that because the stems with clusters stretch so that blooms will show above other nearby plants. They will tolerate standing water more than the shorter versions. If you have ever visited North Hill, the home of Joe Eck and the late Wayne Winterrowd, you might remember their marvelous stand of candelabra primulas right as you enter their gardens. Every color imaginable makes this welcoming display.

One that I have grown successfully is dawn ansell, a pure white double-flowered variety. I have grown other nameless varieties and all bring joy. One local source for purchase is Red Wagon Plants in Hinesburg. There are sure to be other retailers, but here they are particular favorites.

Primulas should be divided in spring or fall every few years to retain vigor.

They can be deadheaded to produce more blooms but it’s always a race until the surrounding garden plants grow up to shade them. Soon they will go dormant. They may disappear completely, but be sure to look for them again the next spring.