Primrose

 

Primroses provide a much needed splash of color in winter! As one of the first flowering plants of the year, primroses are a great way to brighten up indoor spaces while waiting for spring to arrive.  Primroses come in a variety of vibrant and vivid colors including white, yellow, red, purple, pink, orange, blue and more. They are well suited for indoor decor in winter and can be utilized in a variety of garden situations when the weather warms up.  They can compliment spring blooming bulbs and container arrangements, act as a natural ground cover for ornamental garden trees, or provide a bright addition of color in a shady garden area. 

 

PLANTING INDOORS
As with outdoor primroses, blooms begin in late winter and early spring. When kept indoors, primrose blooms will typically bloom for one month.

LIGHT
Indoor primroses do best in bright, diffused light and out of direct sun.

WATER
Moderately moist soil is preferred. Water thoroughly when  the soil surface gets dry to the touch. Be sure not to let the plants stand in water or dry out.

TEMPERATURE
Primroses like cool temperatures, ranging from 60 to 65 degrees during the day and 55 to 60 degrees during the night.

 

PLANTING OUTDOORS
Primroses tend to act as a hardy perennial in Zone 7 and up; if planted in Zone 6 or under, they should be in a protected area. They begin blooming in late winter or early spring and can have flowers lasting until early summer. They grow best in slightly acidic soil and prefer cooler temperatures with low humidity, and are happiest in a shade or partial shade setting. Summer heat can cause primrose foliage to fade but pruning and watering will see the leaves return full force in autumn. They are relatively small plants and do not usually exceed 8 inches in either height or width. Primroses don’t have serious pest or disease problems; however, like many shade plants, slugs and snails can sometimes be a minor nuisance. Propagation occurs naturally - primrose plants spread slowly by rhizomes in the ground. Simply divide primroses in the late spring after flowering is complete.