Primrose

Common primrose - in other words, it is also customary to call it the common primrose. This is a perennial, herbaceous type, which is directly related to the primrose genus, which is why they have so many similar characteristics. Under natural conditions, this plant can most often be found in the northern regions of Africa, also in Central Asia or in Europe. Often, primrose is found in the Middle East, where there are also all the most favorable and necessary conditions for it. In general, gardeners learned about the existence of this plant several hundred years ago, and therefore the primrose very quickly found many fans and those who really fell in love with the culture in cultivation. The British are especially fond of primrose, and in this country there are also clubs for primrose lovers.

Introduction

In this article, we will dwell in more detail on the description of the plant, on what special characteristics and properties it has. We will also tell you the intricacies of planting a primrose and the subsequent care of the plant. In general, we will also consider several main varieties and species that are especially popular today in horticulture and floriculture, determine their main properties, key characteristics and why they stand out so much against the background of many other plantings. This article and the information contained in it will be of interest not only to novice gardeners, but also to those who, in principle, already have experience in this activity, but they would like to expand their knowledge about primroses, varietal and other interesting characteristics and species.

Features of the primrose plant, planting and care

Primroses are considered one of the most numerous genera, if you rely on information from a variety of sources, then the primroses genus includes from four hundred to half a thousand species, which differ from each other in very different characteristics and traits. in natural, wild conditions, today you can find such species that have not yet been described, their properties are even unknown to flower growers and gardeners. There are about thirty-three species of primroses in Europe, in North America only two main species can be found, but in Java only one species of primroses can grow in general. The largest population is found in Western China - more than three hundred species, and the same number grows in Asia and the Himalayas. Such a plant takes root well in places where there is a high level of humidity, and therefore a plant in cultivation can be particularly demanding directly for watering. It perfectly takes root on the coast of a mountain river, along streams and reservoirs, as well as in meadows. In general, a primrose can adapt and take root in a variety of conditions, the main thing is to maintain a microclimate so that the plant feels as comfortable as possible. But this is a separate topic, and it all depends directly on the gardener himself.

Rhizome with roots is well hidden right under the ground. The root rosette includes dissected leaves or leaves that are simple in shape, which may be slightly oblong. There are both sessile leaf plates and petiole ones, which at the same time look equally interesting and attractive. You can find slightly wrinkled leaves, leathery leaf plates that are very dense, and it is almost impossible to break or harm them. It is also worth noting that the leaves are colored greenish-gray, and sometimes, looking at them, it may seem that the leaves are covered with a dense layer of wax. Peduncles grow very long, they do not have a single leaf.The flowers can be arranged in a single order, so they can also make up pleasant-looking inflorescences. Inflorescences can be of various shapes, everything will depend solely on which species and variety this or that primrose bush belongs to. There are tiered and spherical, rounded inflorescences, inflorescences in the form of a panicle or umbrella, as well as inflorescences in the form of attractive and unusual bells. The shape of the flowers itself is tubular, the limb can be flat or funnel-shaped. When the flowering stops, then a fruit is formed in the place of the flower, which contains seeds, ready to use them to propagate the planting. The primrose can also be an annual plant, there are also perennial specimens. The most important thing is that you can grow a plant equally successfully in the open field and at home, it will look great, especially if the grower does not save time on planting care.

Growing primrose always begins with sowing the seed. Seeds can lose their germination over time, and this may take only a few days. Therefore, it is recommended to plant almost immediately after the seeds have been harvested. For this, the gardener uses containers that he sets directly into the open ground. If a gardener has purchased seeds, is sure of their high qualities and germination, and he absolutely would not want to risk it again, then he can sow them in the very first days of February. To do this, the container is filled with soil mixture, which the gardener can prepare on his own. To do this, he will need turf and leafy land, as well as some sand. The seeds are very neatly distributed over the surface, you should not bury them too much in the soil, but you can press them slightly. If the seeds are deeply buried, this will lead to the fact that the germination rate will decrease to the very minimum. Also, a lot depends on the florist. He must be sure to carefully ensure that no more than five seeds are planted on one square centimeter of the plot. After that, the containers are placed in plastic or plastic bags, placed in the freezer. In the freezer, the temperature should be no more than -10 degrees. The containers should stay there for three to four weeks, and this procedure will stratify the seed and identify which seeds will be viable, and which ones could not even withstand such a test.

After that, containers directly in polyethylene should be placed on the windowsill, and at the same time it is worth remembering that in no case should they be located in direct sunlight. It is worth paying close attention to ensuring that the soil is moistened at all times, but at the same time does not turn into a muddy consistency, since too much moisture can lead to the development of fungi, diseases and decay. Seeds can grow fastest at temperatures ranging from sixteen to eighteen degrees. But it should also be borne in mind that freezing, which is done in advance, may not be required for all varieties and types of plants, so you should keep this in mind, be very careful, since some varieties and species do not tolerate such a procedure in relation to their seed materials. Fine-toothed and common primroses can do without this type of stratification.

But for the very first shoots to appear, it will take a lot of time. After the shoots appear, you can slightly open the bags. This will allow the plants to gradually get used to the fresh air, they will become saturated with oxygen, and this also plays a very important role in ensuring that the plantings grow and develop correctly, and so that in the future the primrose is as attractive and decorative as possible.After about two weeks after that, the shelter can be completely removed altogether, and the plant will not experience absolutely any stress or negative emotions from this, it will normally survive this procedure, if before that the primrose is prepared for the air, but little by little. Thus, the planting of the seed material of the plant is carried out, and this process is really considered almost the most important and responsible. Next, let's talk a little about primrose seedlings.

Primrose seedlings are slow growing crops. When two to three full-fledged leaves appear, it is necessary to pick the seedlings into another container, for this it is best to use pre-disinfected tweezers. Primroses should be further looked after and looked after, the soil should be timely and moderately moisturized so that the plants feel much more comfortable. The pick is carried out as the plants continue their growth and development. Usually, the seedlings will be ready for transplanting into open soil only a couple of years after the very first shoots appear. Therefore, the gardener should be patient and realize that such slow growth is the absolute norm for planting, and therefore you should not worry and worry too much. If all the planting rules and agricultural techniques are followed, the plant receives full and comprehensive care, then in two years there will be excellent primrose bushes that will delight the grower with their external qualities and characteristics, and their flowering will be simply incredible, just like the incredible number of different varieties and types of this culture.

It is recommended to plant the plant in open ground either in the spring or in the autumn, and this should be done only in the second year of the seedlings' life. In the spring, it is best to plant primrose on the very last days of May. It is better for a plant to take care of the site in advance, it should be slightly shaded by the crowns of large trees, direct sunlight is excluded, since they can cause irreparable harm to the plant, it will start to hurt, it will be damaged, and this will affect not only the general state of planting, but also on its external characteristics. Only alpine primroses are worth choosing sunny areas, especially if the plants are planted in the northern regions, where the sun will definitely not be so fierce, burning and hot.

It is advisable to choose the soil light and loose so that it passes air and moisture. It should also be a perfectly drained soil mixture, water in the soil cannot linger for a long time, as this can lead to the fact that, as a result, the root system of primroses begins to rot abundantly, this will provoke diseases and the death of the planting. Also, primroses take root well in clay soils, which should also be borne in mind when choosing a place and soil for planting. But clay soil can be too heavy for primrose, in which case the gardener should work a little on the structure of the soil mixture in order to correct, adjust it. To do this, a small amount of manure, sand and crushed sphagnum (or vermiculite, if it is not possible to use sphagnum) are introduced into the clay soil. The proportions should be calculated by the gardener himself in accordance with the area of ​​the plot, how many square meters.

Between the bushes in a group planting, it is recommended to maintain a distance of twenty to thirty centimeters, especially if these are large species of primroses. If these are compact species, then it will be enough to leave a distance of fifteen centimeters so that the landings feel as comfortable and protected as possible. Also, gardeners need to keep in mind that such plants do not really like too open areas and spaces, and primroses perfectly take root in protected nooks of personal plots and flower beds.In this regard, plantings should be organized in such a way that as they grow, they become more closed. A plant that originally grew from seed begins to bloom around the second or third year after the very first shoots have formed. So the gardener should have patience and be able to wait without throwing primroses, constantly looking after them and caring for them.

Of course, caring for primrose outdoors is a very important process that rests entirely on the shoulders of the gardener. The most important thing is to be attentive and follow the rules, and then even the gardener who initially did not have so much experience in such an activity will give in to care.

In the care of primroses that have been planted in open ground, there are usually no major difficulties. But, of course, there are subtleties that indicate that the plant should be looked after very carefully. The soil should be constantly slightly moistened, and it should also be constantly loosened so that moisture does not stagnate in the upper layers of the soil, and so that the soil is sufficiently ventilated and saturated with oxygen. Watering primroses should be about once a week, after which the soil is gently loosened, all weeds that can interfere with the development of the root system of primroses are removed. If suddenly the weather conditions are dry and very hot, then it is worth watering even twice a week, but in moderation.

It is recommended to use about three liters of water per square meter of planting. The water should not be hard and not chlorinated, it should be soft, settled, melt or rain, I can use filtered water. If a perennial species of primrose is growing, then it should also be fed quite often, namely, feeding should be applied at least once a week. In general, fertilizers begin to be applied exactly when the very first leaves appear on the primrose, and they finish feeding when the flowering of the plant itself ends. For feeding, it is recommended to use a solution of a complex mineral fertilizer, while the dosage should be half that indicated on the package of the drug, then the primrose will feel much better and more comfortable.

But there are also some subtleties and limitations in this. For example, if the soil is oversaturated with a nitrogenous component, then next year it is unlikely that the primrose will show its attractive bloom. But on it, very thick and juicy foliage will form, since all the forces of the plant will go to its direct formation. In order not to have this, and so that such an unfavorable imbalance does not form, it is nevertheless worth taking turns to make additional fertilizing - first, these are potash components, and then phosphorus-containing fertilizers.

As for the transplant of primroses, it is best to do this once every 4-5 years, not more often. At the same time, you can also divide the bush at the same time in order to propagate it. The fact is that even despite its slow growth, primrose can grow very quickly and actively, and this applies in particular to the root system of the plant. And, since we are talking about plant reproduction, then, of course, it is worth talking a little about this, since planting reproduction is quite exciting and interesting, especially when it comes directly to the reproduction of primroses.

Typically, primroses can be propagated by seed, leaf cuttings, or by dividing a bush. The transplant is carried out every four years or five years, and this procedure is scheduled around the end of summer or the first two weeks of September, it all depends on the varietal and species characteristics of primroses, and on the possibilities and availability of free time at the gardener himself.To do this, a bush that has already grown quite strongly should be watered well, and then dug out of the soil. All excess soil is removed from the root system, and after that the roots are washed in a container with settled water at room temperature.

The rhizome is cut into several divisions, using a well-sharpened and disinfected knife. On each plot there should be at least one renewal point, so that the bush develops further normally, and it generally has where to give this growth and development from. After this, the cut sites are disinfected - they are processed with wood ash. After this, the bush that was sectioned is planted in a fresh substrate in a new place. The plant also needs abundant and high-quality watering after planting. So you can not only multiply the primrose, but also rejuvenate it, make the bush of high quality, and the planting material will also have high performance according to horticultural standards.

If the root system of the bush is weak enough, there is only one outlet, for reproduction you can use the so-called air sinuses, from which shoots also grow. To do this, separate one leaf with a bud, a petiole, and also leave a part of the stem on it. The leaf is shortened by half and planted in a pre-prepared soil mixture. After that, the stalk is rearranged in a well-lit place, it can also be slightly shaded so that direct sunlight does not fall on the primrose. The optimum temperature for the development of planting material is 16-18 degrees, not higher, but not lower. At the same time, the soil should be constantly maintained at a moderate level of moisture, so that the plant feels comfortable, and it has where to saturate with all the necessary trace elements and substances.

The transplant is carried out only when stems with formed leaves begin to grow from the buds. The capacity in diameter should be from seven to nine centimeters, so that at the first stages of development, the root system feels comfortable and free enough so that it necessarily has somewhere to grow. In the spring, you can already transplant the plant into open soil. If you follow all the rules, then in general the plant will turn out to be quite spectacular, it will grow in accordance with all the rules and regulations, and as a result, the primrose bloom will be just at its best. But, again, in this case, much depends on the grower himself, so that, in principle, if he has the time and desire to take care of his planting, then the plant will respond in the same way - with excellent external characteristics, growth and development, incredible group compositions in the garden, flower beds and landscapes.

Let's talk about pests and diseases. When primrose grows outdoors, it can contract diseases such as jaundice and rust, powdery mildew and shoot rot, root collar rot, bacterial spotting, as well as anthracnose, the cucumber mosaic virus. Usually, all these diseases develop due to the fact that the gardener did not provide the plant with enough care, and because of this, it began to gradually wilt and become sick.

If florist found signs of these diseases on the plant, then he first of all will note the changes in the leaf plates, their condition. They should be immediately removed from the bush and destroyed. Also, pests can settle on the bushes - aphids, weevils, slugs and nematodes, spider mites and beetles, fleas. They can be very dangerous, especially if it is too late to identify their dispersal and reproduction. In the spring, preventive treatments can be carried out; for this, solutions of drugs such as topsin, foundationol are used.Copper oxychloride, Bordeaux liquid is also perfect, which are suitable for both prophylaxis and treatment of plants, and they are also completely safe for plants if all processing rules are followed. In the fall, it is also worth treating the plant with a solution called nitrafen. If we talk about large pests, such as slugs or beetles, then they can be safely removed by hand. Actellic is another remedy that will allow you to get rid of ticks, but you can fight nematodes with the help of the Ragor drug. Of course, you should definitely monitor the plant, regulate its growth and development, as well as constantly look after primroses, follow all the rules of planting and agricultural technology. Only in this case is the risk that the plant will suddenly become ill or will be attacked by pests and bacteria decreases.

When flowering is complete, the soil near the bushes should be thoroughly loosened, while removing all weeds. Until winter, it is best not to disturb the plant at all, since at this time a large volume of leaf plates grows in primroses. It is also worth remembering that the rosette must be preserved, and the rosette usually consists of leaves. The rosette is preserved until late autumn, as it will later serve as a natural shelter for the plant, especially for the root system. If the gardener cuts off the leaf filling in the fall, then this may further adversely affect the general condition of the plant, its growth and subsequent development. The plant grinds, flowering will not be so spectacular and lush. The bush can generally lose its former spectacular appearance. It is also worth removing last year's leaves, especially in the spring, so that the plant is completely renewed, and entered into the new season renewed, spectacular and ready to demonstrate its decorative floral functions.

If frost is expected in winter, then it is recommended to cover the bushes for the winter, using agrofibre, straw, spruce branches or ordinary dried foliage for this. The layer should be about ten centimeters for the plant to really warm up and be safe. Some species, in principle, do not need shelter, for example, this is Julia's primrose, since this plant has a high level of immunity and stress resistance. If an abundant snow cover is expected in winter, and the winter itself will not be too frosty and harsh, then the primroses may not be additionally covered. In the spring, when the snow begins to gradually melt, the gardener should carefully monitor the plant, and also make sure that a crust of ice does not form over the bush. If it appeared, then it should be destroyed immediately. Because of this crust, the flower can begin to flutter, but this cannot be allowed, since such conditions provoke fungal and other diseases. Thus, we have considered all the features of plant care. Next, we will consider some varieties and species that are most common today in cultivation and distribution, and which are really very fond of flower growers in various regions of our country. This information is especially interesting for inexperienced gardeners who are just starting their way in growing primroses, and who would like to get acquainted with new species and characteristics of varieties.

The main varieties and types of primroses, their description

Today you can count a very large number of species primrose, they all differ from each other in a wide variety of characteristics and characteristics. Experienced gardeners have divided all types of primroses into thirty sections. At the same time, a huge number of species and varieties of plants are cultivated in gardening, both home and indoor. Next, we will give a description and characteristics of the most popular species that have already earned the love of gardeners and florists.

Let's start with a description of the primrose stemless, or it is also called primrose ordinary. The homeland of this plant is Central and Southern Europe. The plant takes root well on the forest edges, as well as on fresh and free alpine meadows, next to the melting snow cover it feels just wonderful, and this is immediately the peculiarity of this planting. Although the rhizome is short, the roots are formed fleshy and powerful, thick, have a cord-like shape. The leaves are lanceolate, in length can reach almost 25 centimeters, and the width of the leaves is six centimeters. Throughout the entire winter period, the leaves can be safely preserved, but usually this is partial, not complete. The height of the peduncles is small, varying from 6 to 20 centimeters, single flowers are formed on them, which are painted in pale yellow or snow-white shades. The throat of the flowers is purple in color, due to which the plant is so interesting and attractive, and its flowers are really very decorative. The petals are large in width, can be divided into two parts. During the flowering period, the bush looks very attractive and elegant, more like a festive bouquet than an ordinary bush. Flowering begins in March, sometimes it can be repeated in September, but here a lot depends on the characteristics of the plant variety and on how the gardener himself looked after it. An ordinary primrose has been cultivated since the 16th century, has already become not only popular, but also in essence a classic primrose among all plantings.

Among the varieties of this species, in terms of their characteristics, the following are especially distinguished:

— virginia - this primrose produces attractive white flowers, in which there is a light yellow throat. Primrose looks gentle, but at the same time very impressive.

— giga white - the flowers are pure white, very delicate, aesthetic and romantic

— cerulea - this variety, which gives blue flowers, and their throat is painted in a yellow tint.

Primrose high - the second type, which we will consider in this article. The homeland of this species is the Carpathians, as well as the southern and northern regions of Western Europe. This plant is perennial, the leaves are oval, there are small denticles at the edges. The length of the leaves varies from five to twenty centimeters, and the width is from two to seven centimeters. It is also worth noting that the closer the leaf is to the petiole, the more it narrows. On the front surface of the leaflet, you can see slightly depressed veins, but from the inside, these same veins are convex, which makes the leaf very attractive and decorative.

Inflorescences are umbrella-shaped, they consist of very fragrant flowers in the amount of five to fifteen pieces. The diameter is about two centimeters, the flowers are painted in a pale yellow tint. At the same time, on the petals at the very base, you can see spots that have a rich yellow color, which looks really interesting and attractive enough, and this look does not leave anyone indifferent. The height of the peduncle is from 10 to 35 centimeters, the peduncle itself is slightly pubescent, flowering begins in April and lasts about two months, if, of course, the grower has followed all agrotechnical requirements and rules of care. There are hybrid varieties of this species that give abundant and large flowering, the color of the flowers can be varied - white or red, lilac, cream and yellow. They can also be monochromatic, or they can be two-colored - the eye or border of the flower is painted, which looks very decorative and elegant. Also among the varieties should be distinguished such as:

— duplex - the flowers are painted in a cherry shade, their diameter is about 2.5 centimeters, while the pharynx has a dark yellowish color, in combination, the plant looks very unusual and interesting

— rosea - the flowers have a dark pink color, their peephole is of a bright yellow, sunny shade

— Gelle Farben - flowers are pale, lilac, their diameter is about 3.5 centimeters, and their throat is also a very rich yellow hue

— goldgrand - Another incredibly attractive variety of primrose, the flowers are colored in a brownish-chocolate shade, their diameter is just over two centimeters. At the same time, their throat is bright yellow, and a golden stripe runs along the border of the petals, which looks incredibly attractive and interesting.

It is also worth focusing on the fact that there are several hybrid varieties, which are also based on high primrose. They are distinguished by very long peduncles, and their flowers are also very large. These varieties are great for growing primroses directly for the subsequent cut, for decorating flower arrangements and holiday bouquets. The color of hybrid varieties is also varied, so that the gardener will certainly select the one that will suit his interests and preferences.

Primrose Siebold - this variety of primrose begins to bloom quite late, in June. The flowers are painted in a variety of colors, these can be shades of pink or lilac, since they are most often found within this species. The inflorescences include fairly loose flowers, and the inflorescences themselves are in the shape of umbrellas, they look quite interesting, unusual, and therefore attractive. When the bush stops flowering, the foliage dies off the plant. But by the next season, it is fully restored, so there is no need to worry about the plant at all, this is just a feature of this species, nothing more.

Primrose spring - in horticulture, it is also called medicinal primrose. The homeland of the plant is Europe, the leaves are ovoid, rather wrinkled, their length is usually about twenty centimeters, and the width of one leaf is 6 centimeters. The veins are usually depressed on the front side, but they are perfectly visible on the seamy side of the leaf blade. The flowers are painted in a yellow tint, you can also see bright orange blotches on them, especially these blotches are concentrated at the very base of the petals. But there are a large number of garden varieties that can be painted in a wide variety of colors. There are also two-color varieties, flowering is distinguished by its brightness and abundance, it lasts from April to June, especially for a long time if the gardener provided the planting with enough care and attention, followed all the rules of planting and agricultural technology. In addition to the species listed by us, such types of primroses as bisque, ear, snow, raven, mosquito, fine-toothed, small, other species that also have their own characteristics, properties and characteristics are especially popular, and gardeners really fell in love, as they look very decorative and interesting.

Conclusion

Primrose has some properties and characteristics. In any of the parts, you can find a fairly high level of concentrated manganese salts. The aerial parts of the plant contain a large amount of vitamins and minerals, and its roots contain essential oils, saponins and glycosides, which are incredibly useful for the human body and its health at any age.

The leaves can be used to prepare salads and soups, and in particular they are very useful for food in the spring, since at this time the maximum concentration of ascorbic acid and carotene in the leaf blades. Powders can be made from dried leaves, and the root system is also suitable for the same. The plant is excellent for respiratory tract diseases, bronchitis, rheumatism, and is also an excellent analgesic and soothing component. You can not use primrose and its parts only in case of individual intolerance, with severe allergic reactions, as well as during pregnancy.In general, if you are careful, consult a doctor, you can experience all the benefits of primrose and how useful this plant is for humans, both for adults and for babies.