Over the last few years we have seen a total revival of Primulas as one of the best options for winter colour in the shady spots. Fairy Primula are the ones we’ve seen around for years but the addition of Giant Primulas and expanded range of English Primroses has certainly helped restore them to a must have range of winter annuals.

Fairy Primulas are our recommendation for large shady garden beds or mass plantings. Most commonly just called Primulas they are available in white and shades of purple and last for months in well prepared soil. It is especially important to prepare the soil well for Primulas if you are planting them under trees. Through the summer would have had the trees take all the extra nutrients out the soil. Plant them with plenty of compost, BioGanic and Bone Meal and then keep them well watered for the first few weeks.
Although Primulas are mostly shades of Purple there are some new colours being added to the mix. Growing a bit shorter that normal there is a pink as well as red that tickle our fancy when we see them for sure.

Primroses also called English Primroses look like large buttons and grow flat. Plant them in light shade where you can look at them from close up, perfect for a shady patio container or along a pathway you use every day. They come in a range of colour including red and blue and can even be two toned with the darker yellow ones having a soft fragrance. They benefit from regularly deadheading which brings on new buds continuously.

Primroses can even grow indoors for a few weeks but grow best flowering right through to the end of September in a shady spot outside.

Giant Primulas are all the rage over the past few years. Once you’ve planted them we are sure you’ll look for the every year. The flowers on stems cluster like pompoms and in their vibrant colours stand out in the garden. Also shade lovers Giant Primulas do exceptionally well in containers lasting well into the start of summer. The plants also have a larger leaf which adds to the appeal with their lush texture.

Our top tip to grow the best Primulas of any kind is to feed them all with Multifeed Flowergro regularly to get the best show over the next few months.