What to Grow In Winter Series, Post #6: Primroses

nataliejohnson (64)in #gardening • 7 years ago

Today is January 23rd, so that means nearly one month of winter has already passed. No doubt, some winter days have seemed longer than others, ESPECIALLY those cold, frosty ones. Thank goodness, though, we don't have to deal with these cold temps forever.

Despite counting down the days til spring, winter has it's thrills. One of them is seeing colorful primrose bloom before spring has even arrived.

And primroses come in so many different colors!

Primroses a.k.a "Fairy Flowers"

Legend has it that if you hang primroses on your door, you'll invite fairies into your abode. But if you scatter them outside your door, supposedly, this keeps them away. What's so special about the primroses? They are believed to allow the fairies to be invisible.

Now, I don't know about you but I've never seen a fairy. But according to legend, eating primroses will allow you to see these magical creatures. (Yes, primroses are edible).

Winter Blooming Primroses

Primula Belarina Pink Champagne

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Primula vulgaris 'Lilian Harvey'

Primula malacoides (Fairy Primrose)

Primula vulgaris 'Claddagh'

Tips for Growing Primroses

As always pay close attention to your USDA grown zone. Primroses can be grown in full sun if you live in a cooler climate. If you live in a warmer climate, however, you will need to plant them in part to full shade.
Primroses are grown as annuals or perennials. If you live in an area with extremely hot, dry summers you will probably need to replant them annually.
For short periods, primroses can handle temperatures in the upper 20s Fahrenheit. Just to be on the side of caution, you should cover primroses in bloom when you expect temperatures less than 30 degrees F.
Less cold hardy varieties can be grown indoors if you have your heart set on a particular variety.