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Primulas:

ElothirElothir Posts: 94
in Plants
Hello,

I'm looking to try and plant/sow some smallish (preferably flowering) plants under a deciduous tree/large shrub in a patch that is currently only shared by an established Sedum spectabile and borders onto grass/lawn.

Naturally my searching has brought up alot of recommendations for, amongst others, Primulas (specifically Primula Vulgaris, Veris and Elatior / Primrose, Cowslip and Oxlip). 

Whilst these seem like nice plants, and I'm in favour of fairly simple plants, after previous experiences (not with Primulas) I'm a bit hesitant to plant/sow anything that is potentially going to be difficult to remove in the future and/or likely to swamp existing plants or otherwise hinder established perennials.

I wanted to ask anyone with experience of these plants for their thoughts on them, how much/fast they spread, whether they're difficult to remove if need be, their impact on neighbouring plants etc. 

Posts

  • B3B3 Posts: 24,434
    The thing with primulas is, they look lovely when in flower but gradually get to look  worse and worse as the leaves die. However,they are easy to pull out if you want to use them as annuals or move them somewhere less conspicuous until the next year.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • AstroAstro Posts: 386
    My general experience of them is a very good one. I've found they give give good colour in cooler weather, returning each spring and winter. This year I had lots in the border and just shifted ones where I wanted to plant summer planting.
     They lifted easily and are ticking away in a relatively unused spot. I haven't found them invasive. They come in many varieties and colours too. 
  • bestwickrobert1bestwickrobert1 Posts: 15
    Easy to germinate from seed check on the packet they are happy where you want to put them as some like damp conditions more but very easy to look after and some will repeat flower if you deadhead

  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,309
    I bought last week three Primula Capitata Moureana to plant among my ferns and they are absolutely stunning, in case you need an extra recommendation. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • AstroAstro Posts: 386
    amancalledgeorge said:
    I bought last week three Primula Capitata Moureana to plant among my ferns and they are absolutely stunning, in case you need an extra recommendation. 
    Have to agree there   :)
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 33,689
    amancalledgeorge said:
    I bought last week three Primula Capitata Moureana to plant among my ferns and they are absolutely stunning, in case you need an extra recommendation. 
    @Lyn has just given me some of these. I'd never come across them before.
    Devon.
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,309
    Saw them at a nearby nursery and they were too beautiful to go past...hope they flourish for both of us @Hostafan1 was looking for some late summer / early autumn flowering plant before the cyclamens pop up once more. Their almost purple colour is stunning.
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • LynLyn Posts: 21,337
    They are easy to grow from seed, mine were seeds in the first place. I’ve got several now, often splitting them up, they spread very quickly for something so delicate. Just pull the little ones off the sides and pot up. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 33,689
    Lyn said:
    They are easy to grow from seed, mine were seeds in the first place. I’ve got several now, often splitting them up, they spread very quickly for something so delicate. Just pull the little ones off the sides and pot up. 
    Those you gave me are sending up new flowers
    Devon.
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