Don’t overlook the amazing old-time garden gem primulas

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I often think, especially during our cooler, late winter and early spring weather, that our gardens are missing some great old-time garden jewels. Today’s growers produce massive numbers of beautiful primula hybrids, which make spectacular displays in small garden areas and containers, but they soon disappear. Although they can perennialize, these modern varieties don’t make that same stunning return each year.

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Hybrid primulas play an important role in early colour, especially the fabulous new varieties, like the white frilled Coco, the giant flowered Hethor and Sweet 16, one of my favourites, but we also need to look at some of the true perennial varieties for the continuing contributions they can make to our gardens over a long period of time.

There are about 550 species of primulas in the world, and many subspecies are divided into even more subspecies, which, in reality, means thousands of varieties are out there. The irony is that only a small selection of them are sold in garden stores today — which is a shame. Many of these great, old-time perennials were available just a few years ago, but today, they’re hard to find.

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When I attended IPM Essen, the world’s largest horticultural show, in Germany just a couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to visit some European primula specialists, and I was pleased to learn that many true perennial varieties are available, but mostly from seed.

Back in the ’70s and ’80s, Wanda primulas were probably one of the most popular garden perennials. Their vibrant magenta flowers and deep burgundy leaves were traditionally the first sign of spring. They were all propagated from divisions, were frequently passed around the neighbourhood and most gardens had them. They are often the first primulas to bloom.

Several years ago, there was a breakthrough in breeding. A whole new colour range was developed that could be started from seed. These white, yellow, pink, blue and red primulas, all with lovely, rich, deep bronze foliage, created a real impact. Hardy to Zone 5, they had a long blooming period and made great companions for short narcissus, scillas and grape hyacinths.

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I’ve always been fond of old English cowslips (Primula veris). Smothered in small yellow flowers, these hardy, Zone 4 primulas spread nicely to create sizable clumps in our gardens. There is now a variety, called Sunset Shades, which, in addition to the common yellow, has a wider range of colours, including ochre, orange and red. Growing up to eight inches tall, these primulas can spread quickly and provide weeks and weeks of colour.

A later blooming primula, P. vialii (the so-called Red Hot Poker) has deep red flower candles or buds that turn a bright pink as they open, creating quite an unusual flower form. Hardy to Zone 6, they grow up to 12 inches and spread nicely to add a real pop of colour in our gardens. They’re quite a novelty.

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Another unique, old-fashioned primula is the so-called Drumstick variety (Primula denticulata). Coming in white, carmine red and blue, this variety has long stems, stretching up to 12 inches, and round-shaped buds that open into large balls of long-lasting colour. Surprisingly, they are hardy to Zone 4 and, like the Red Hot Poker primula, they will add a very different look in any garden.

A very late-flowering strain, known as the candelabra primulas, or botanically as P. x bulleesiana or P. bulleyana, often blooms into May. There are also some hybrids today, known as Primula Candelabra-hybrid Woodside. Because they’re a blend of many species, they have a much broader range of colours. I love their tall stems with clusters of tiny flowers that bring a woodland or alpine garden to life.

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Garden auriculas are also some older, more-recognized primula varieties. Botanically, they’re Primula x pubescens Kaleidoscope. They, too, are hardy to Zone 4. I love their silvery, soft green leaves and brilliantly coloured flowers. Reaching up to eight inches in height, they make a great border perennial and bloom for an exceptionally long time. In terms of durability, they truly are one of the toughest garden primulas in all types of weather.

There are a few modern hardy primulas that deserve some attention. The oak leafed, yellow Picotte primula is widely available, and its long stems, with clusters of yellow and red blossoms, are quite unique among today’s garden primulas. They, too, are hardy down to Zone 4 and once established, bloom for weeks.

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The showpiece of today’s hardy primulas is the Belarina series. We’ve grown them for years, and it’s hard to believe that their huge, fully double flowers could be hardy to Zone 4. Because of the severe cold in February 2021, we had some varieties left over and had to overwinter them for another year. We kept them in a cold, unheated greenhouse, and for three-to-four weeks they were frozen solid.

As they started to thaw, the plants began to grow, until suddenly they were loaded with buds that opened to smother the plants. For weeks, they were vibrant, double-bloom masses of blue, yellow, apricot pink and a red, called Valentine. They also stood up well in frosts and heavy rain. I’m sold on this variety, and I think it fits nicely into the category of great, hardy garden primulas.

Yes, the many hybrid primulas we see in late winter are beautiful and lift our spirits, but not to be overlooked are the amazing old-time garden gems. Although they prefer filtered shade, most are quite sun tolerant, and they would be a much-welcomed addition to our spring gardens for many years to come.