Primrose or Primrose (lat. Prímula) is a genus of plants from the Primrose family. The name comes from the Latin word prímus (first) for its very early flowering.
Description of the genus
One of the most numerous genera of plants in the world flora. According to various authors, there are from 400 to 550 species of these plants in nature. Moreover, scientists are still discovering new species of primroses. Most of them (about 300 species) grow in Asia, the Himalayas and western China. Only 33 species grow in Europe, and 20 species grow in North America. Only a few species are found in Africa, South America, in Arabia and one species (imperial primrose - Primula imperialis) - on the island of Java.
Many primroses in nature grow in damp places - along the banks of mountain streams and streams, in wet meadows. For example, the Florinda primrose can be found in Tibet, near watercourses at an altitude of about 4000 m, and the fine-toothed primrose can be found in the alpine meadows of the Himalayas at an altitude of 2300-4300 m. The popular primrose auricula (eared) comes from the mountains of southern and central Europe, where it lives in cracks rocks, between stones, rising to a height of over 2000 m. Wet meadows, banks of streams and streams are favorite places for the beautiful Bulley primrose, growing in China at an altitude of about 3000 m. The Japanese primrose lives in the mountain valleys of the Kuril Islands and Japan. As we can see, baby primroses live and thrive in such harsh conditions where others, large plants can't grow.Mountains are a kind of pedestal that raises primroses high above other plants. Some of them grow near snowfields, in very specific environmental conditions.
Representatives of the Primrose genus are perennial and annual herbs. The flowers are five-membered, regular in shape, different colors: white, yellow, pink, lilac. The leaves form a basal rosette. The fruit is a capsule.
Kinds
Primula vulgare or stemless (Primula vulgaris or Primula acaulis). Grows in the Carpathians, Crimea, the Caucasus and Transcaucasia, in the European part of Russia, in Western Europe (from Portugal, Spain and Italy in the south to Norway in the north), in northern Africa (Algeria), in the Middle East, in Malaya and Central Asia. The plant can be found on the edges of deciduous forests in the south, as well as in alpine meadows and near melting snowfields.The rhizome of the common primrose is short, with a large number of brown, thickened, cord-like roots. The leaves are lanceolate, 5-25 cm long, 2-6 cm wide. Some of the leaves are preserved in winter. The flowers are 2-4 cm in diameter, light yellow, less often white with a purple throat, solitary, on peduncles 6-20 cm high. The petals are wide, divided into two lobes. The seed capsule is ovoid, shorter than the sepals.
Despite such a simple name, the common primrose is very beautiful during abundant flowering, when the foliage is completely covered with flowers, and the bush seems like a small bouquet consisting of hundreds of flowers. Flowering usually begins in the first half of April and lasts about three weeks. Sometimes, depending on the weather, it blooms in March. Often re-blooms profusely in September.
Primrose cold(Primula algida). It grows in the Caucasus, Altai, Central Asia (Tian Shan, Pamir-Alai), Western Siberia and Northern Mongolia. An integral component of alpine meadows.The leaves are oblong or oblong-spatulate, gradually turning into a short, wide-winged petiole, collected in a basal rosette up to 15 cm in diameter. Peduncles are thin, up to 30 cm tall. The flowers are small, pink-violet, up to 1.5 cm in diameter, collected 6-12 in an umbellate inflorescence.
Primula macrocalyx(Primula macrocalyx). It grows in the Caucasus, Crimea, the south of the Urals, and the south of Western Siberia. Grows in dry meadows, forest edges and clearings.
The rhizome is oblique with abundant cord-like lobes. All leaves are basal, ovate-oblong, gradually narrowed into a winged serrated petiole, grayish fluffy below, almost entire. The flowers are yellow, medium-sized (the bend of the corolla is 10 mm long), collected in an umbrella, on stalks of unequal length and drooping to one side. The calyxes are usually slightly bell-shaped, swollen, even during flowering.
Snow primrose(Primula nivalis). Grows in Altai, in the south and southwest of Eastern Siberia, in northeast China, Korea and Japan.
Perennial plant up to 20 cm tall. The leaves are oblong-lanceolate, narrowed into a winged petiole, serrated along the edge. The flowers are pink-violet, up to 1 cm in diameter, collected in 8-10 umbellate inflorescences.
Primrose is lovely(Primula amoena Bieb). It grows in the Caucasus and Turkey in the mountains (at an altitude of 1000-4000 m), often near snowfields, on nutritious soils among rhododendrons.Looks like a tall primrose. It differs from it in narrower leaves with gray-tomentose pubescence on the underside of the leaf blade and purple flowers. The leaves are oval, elliptical, 2.5-7 cm long, with a rounded tip. Their edges are finely unevenly jagged. The leaf petiole reaches 7 cm. The flower arrow is 15-18 cm high. Flowers of 6-10 pieces are collected in a one-sided umbrella-shaped inflorescence. They are colored violet-blue or lavender-blue, sometimes with a pink tint, rarely white with a yellow eye. The diameter of the flowers is 2-2.5 cm.
Primrose fine-toothed(Primula denticulata Smith). Grows in Western China, the Himalayas. Attracts attention with unusual dense spherical inflorescences rising above a rosette of large elongated light green leaves. The flowers are white, lilac, purple with shades. Often blooms in a leafless state. At the beginning of flowering, the peduncles are short - no more than 2-3 cm. They seem to cling to the ground, afraid of the return of cold weather. By the middle of flowering, the inflorescence-balls are at a height of 20-25 cm, and by the time the seeds ripen they stretch to 30-50 cm! Much the same thing happens with leaves. They begin to unfold at the beginning of flowering, and at this time their length is 5-7 cm, by the middle of flowering - already 20 cm, and after flowering at favorable conditions- 30-40 cm. The entire plant, especially the peduncles, is covered with a powdery yellowish coating.
Legends and traditions
Primrose (Primula amoena Bieb) in the Dukka valley (Arkhyz, Western Caucasus). Photo by A. Zharov
Primrose was known in ancient times and was considered the medicinal flower of Olympus: it was called dodecatheon (flower of the 12 gods) and was believed to be a cure for all ailments. One of the first spring flowers, the primrose looks like a bunch of golden keys; according to the Old Norse sagas, these are the keys of the fertility goddess Freya, with which she opens spring. According to another legend, these are the sprouted keys to heaven, which St. Peter dropped it to the ground. In some areas of Germany these are the keys to marriage; Even in the times of the Celts and Gauls, primrose was part of the love potion.
According to Danish legends, the elves turned their princess into a primrose when she fell in love with a mere mortal. According to ancient Greek legend, primrose arose from the body of the young man Paralisos who died of love, whom the gods, out of compassion, turned into fragrant flower; Therefore, it was believed that it could cure paralysis, and in medicine until recently it was called the paralysis herb.
The miraculous power of the primrose covered many areas: in Piedmont it was believed that it protects against devilish obsessions, drives away demons, makes bones crawl out of the ground innocently dead people; in Germany, it was credited with the magical property of tear-grass - to open treasures; in Little Russia it was a talisman that protected life; in England it was a magical flower in which tiny fairies and gnomes live. It is the primrose in Switzerland that is considered a symbol of happiness, an emblem of love for the motherland.
There is a beautiful legend about primroses.
One day, the Apostle Peter, guarding the gates of heaven, accidentally dropped from his hands a bunch of golden keys to the kingdom of heaven. Falling onto the sinful earth, they crumbled, and where they touched the ground, a golden flower with curls and curls grew. The angel sent after the keys managed to pick them up, but their brilliance and beauty were still embodied in a small, charming flower. This is how an early primrose with small yellow flowers appeared on the ground.
Since ancient times, the primrose (Primula) has been called the primrose, and it belongs to the primrose family, and the name “primrose” itself means “first” in Latin. There are 600 species of primroses found in nature. The popular name for common primrose is “lambs”, since the leaves of the primrose are wavy at the edges, wrinkled and covered with fluff. Primrose (primrose) has been known in Russia for a long time. Even under Catherine II, it was bred in greenhouses, and in the Winter Palace there was a collection of porcelain depicting this wonderful flower. Most primroses are low-growing perennials with leaves forming a rosette. The rhizome of primrose is short, creeping in some species. Primroses are in bloom in early spring- at the end of April - May, and for some - repeats in the fall. The flowers are collected in umbellate or capitate inflorescences located on bare peduncles. The plant's homeland is the mountainous slopes of the Alps and Carpathians. As a medicinal and ornamental plant primrose was well known back in Ancient Greece. Currently, primrose is found everywhere throughout almost all of Europe, the Caucasus, Western Siberia, Near and Central Asia. The classification of species, varieties and hybrids of primroses is based on the shape and arrangement of inflorescences or flowers on plants.
Five groups of Primrose vulgaris
Cushion primroses
The flowers of this group of primroses are solitary, on short peduncles, slightly rising above the rosette of leaves. This group includes primroses: Voronova, ordinary, Julia, small.Umbrella primroses
The flowers of umbrella-shaped primroses are collected in a one-sided or round umbrella, rising above a rosette of leaves on a peduncle up to 20 cm high. These are spring primroses, tall, pink, deflected, auricular.Capitate or spherical primroses have flowers collected in dense capitate inflorescences on a strong peduncle, the height of which during the flowering period is 15-20 cm, and during the fruiting period - 30-45 cm. This group includes the fine-toothed primrose and its varieties, as well as Primula capitata.
Tiered or candelabra primroses
In primroses of this group, the flowers are collected in whorled inflorescences, consisting of several tiers, located on strong peduncles, and are very similar to candelabra (primroses: Japanese, Bisa, Bullea).Campanula primroses
Bell-shaped primroses are distinguished by inflorescences consisting of drooping or pendulous flowers and are located above a beautiful rosette of leaves on peduncles of varying heights. This is the Florinda primrose, Sikkimese and Alpine primroses).Types of primroses
Spring primrose
Spring primrose (Primula veris) - umbrella-shaped inflorescences of bright yellow fragrant tubular flowers rise on high (up to 25 cm) peduncles above wavy-edged and slightly pubescent leaves, thanks to which this primrose received the name “lambs”. Originally grown in the light, dry forests of Europe and in meadows with nutrient-poor soil, spring primrose prefers a sunny location and moderately dry, calcareous soil. Common primrose (or stemless), or medicinal primrose, or spring primrose (Primula vulgaris Huds. (Primula acaulis (L.) Hill).) - perennial herbaceous plant from the primrose family. This is a squat plant with numerous leaves collected in a rosette. The flowers are solitary light yellow, sometimes white. Primula vulgaris grows quickly; during flowering, a cap of several dozen flowers 2.5-3 cm in diameter is formed. Flowering is abundant and long lasting.Primula auricula - is a low plant (up to 20 cm tall during flowering) with leathery wintering leaves grey-green color covered with a powdery coating. Yellow, often bicolor, flat flowers, collected in an umbrella-shaped inflorescence, bloom in May.
Flowering lasts about a month. All varieties of the auricula group have good winter hardiness and can be widely used in floriculture, being one of the most decorative primroses. Hybrid forms have a variety of flower colors - from dark brown to pale pink with eyes.
Primula Woronowii - blooms in April-May for about a month. It forms a large rosette up to 25-30 cm in diameter and a large number (up to 50 pieces) of soft lilac flowers.High primrose (Primula elatior) - characterized by medium-sized wrinkled foliage and abundant flowering. Light yellow flowers with a darker eye on tall (up to 30 cm) peduncles are collected in umbrellas and bloom in May. Flowering lasts more than a month.
Toothed primrose (Primula denticulata) is extremely decorative and quite winter-hardy. Its lilac, pink, violet or white flowers are collected in a capitate inflorescence 4-10 cm in diameter. Flowering is long - from the end of April for 30-40 days.
The leaves are oblong-lanceolate, during flowering they are 10-15 cm long, by the time of fruiting they grow up to 40 cm. The peduncles are thick, covered with a powdery coating, at the beginning of flowering they are 10-15 cm high, and by the time of fruiting they reach 40-50 cm.
Primrose fine-toothed will delight you with magnificent flowers. Planted in small groups, like daffodils or muscari, it will decorate the spring garden with its spherical inflorescences of purple, pink, white or red colors. From April to May they replace the earliest primroses.
Primrose rejected (Primula patens) - found naturally in Siberia and the Far East. This is a very graceful and profusely flowering plant with delicate flowers of various colors (mauve, pink, white), collected in an umbrella. Thanks to its thin, long, branching rhizomes, this primrose grows well and blooms from mid-May for 20-25 days.
Primula Juliae - represents the wonderful miniature plant, consisting of round, leathery small leaves pressed to the ground and magnificent purple flowers slightly rising above the leaves.
This species blooms very profusely throughout May. Julia's carpet primrose (Primula juliae) does not form leaf rosettes, but lines the ground with a continuous carpet of leaves, on which individual flowers shine like stars.
The ideal place for her is alpine slide.
It occurs naturally in Transcaucasia; unfortunately, it is already an endangered species.
Japanese primrose (Primula japonica) - as its name suggests, comes from Japan. Its oblong, lanceolate leaves, up to 25 cm long, have unequally serrated edges and noticeable reticulate venation. Small crimson, purple-red or dark pink flowers 1.5-2 cm are collected in whorls, arranged in tiers on high (up to 35-45 cm) peduncles. It blooms from the end of May for 35-40 days, with the lower tiers of inflorescences blooming first.House primrose
Early flowering species and varieties of primrose, such as the tall primrose and its garden hybrids, the cushion-shaped form of the common or stemless primrose, as well as the spherical fine-toothed primrose, grow well in pots on the balcony and terrace. After flowering, they are usually planted in the garden. But then these flowers can be moved into the house. To do this, they are transplanted into pots in late autumn and kept in the garden (if climatic conditions permit) or in the basement (or other cool room) until early February. Then they bring it into the house and place it in a bright and cool place. Flowers appear quickly and last for several weeks. After flowering, the plants are planted again in the garden. Fine-toothed primrose and tall primrose are suitable for forcing at home.Growing primrose
For planting primroses, choose places preferably without direct sunlight, in partial shade or in weak shade. The easiest way to propagate primroses is by dividing the rosettes. Primroses grow very quickly in fertile soil, forming powerful bushes that are easily divided. Division is carried out in early spring, in July-August or immediately after flowering. The bush is divided into parts of any size, but each of them must have at least one growth bud. This must be done once every three to four years.Primrose care
Primrose is a very unpretentious and unpretentious plant, at the same time it has unsurpassed decorative qualities, decorating the still bare ground with lush caps in the spring bright colors. Basic care consists of periodically loosening the soil, removing weeds and watering. Despite its relative unpretentiousness, like any plant, primrose is responsive to the addition of rotted organic matter to the soil. Therefore, it is better to plant it in areas with loose, fertile soil, sufficiently moist, but without stagnation of water when the snow melts. As flowering begins, it is advisable to cut off the flower stalks so that the plant does not waste energy on producing seeds if they are not needed for reproduction.After flowering, primroses need to be fed with a small dose of organic or mineral fertilizers in the form of an aqueous solution. This allows them to gain strength for flowering next year and lay a large number of flower buds.
In the sun, the duration of flowering is reduced, and in general the plant suffers from excessive heat and loss of moisture, in the heat spreading fading leaves and drooping flower stalks on the ground. Therefore, in dry weather, abundant watering will be very useful. If primroses are not divided for a long time, then they freeze strongly in winter, because the rhizome with most of the roots is located shallow and gradually becomes exposed. For the same reason, you need to add it to the roots every year in the fall. fertile soil. Old plants bloom less and freeze more in winter. Therefore, it is better not to let their growth take its course and promptly rejuvenate them by dividing the rosettes.
Diseases and pests of primrose
Primroses are quite resistant to various diseases and are practically not damaged by pests. During prolonged damp weather in the summer, slugs can feast on their leaves. It is necessary to avoid dense plantings and periodically inspect sockets in order to destroy pests in a timely manner.Application of primrose
Primrose aurica is an excellent plant for landscape design; it is widely used in landscaping both cities and gardens.
Primrose is used together with other ground cover plants. Fits well into a mixborder of low perennial plants, as well as a border.
Primrose pubescent (auricula) is best suited for rock gardens.
Primrose auricula are the most hardy and unpretentious primroses, capable of growing in rocky gardens. Primroses are the main decoration spring garden, When flowering plants not enough yet. The variety of species and varieties of primroses allows you to create monogardens - primularia.
Primroses near bodies of water
Many species and varieties of primrose like moisture and partial shade. They thrive among trees and shrubs and are especially suitable for natural style gardens. Combinations of primroses with water are very beautiful in the garden. Plant pink primrose (Primula rosea) on the shore of a pond in spring and admire its carmine-red flowers. From May to July the pond is decorated hybrid varieties Japanese primrose (Primula japonica) and bullesian primrose (Primula bullesiana).These tall (40-80 cm) plants attract attention in yellow, orange, pink, red or purple flowers, located in tiers one above the other. When planted in the garden, they prefer shady place and moist, humus-rich soil. A beautiful ensemble near a pond or along the edge of tree plantations along with primroses will include, for example, heuchera, iris, ferns, rhododendron, marsh grasses and sedges. Two other species of primrose feel quite good near water and under bushes.
Primula Vialya
Primula vialii produces cone-shaped purple inflorescences with a pleasant scent. For the winter, it is recommended to cover it with spruce branches or a layer of dry foliage. Since primroses of this species are rather short-lived, they should be replanted or reseeded more often.Florinda's Primrose
Tibetan primrose Florinda (Primula florindae) bears on a peduncle up to 90 cm long a flat umbrella of numerous yellow bell flowers with a pleasant smell. Blooming only in July-August, this species ends the primrose season. But don’t let this be a reason for sadness, because they will bloom again next spring.Primrose in cooking
In some European countries Primrose is cultivated as a salad crop. Young leaves and stems of primrose are added to vegetable salads, soups and cabbage soup. Just two leaves of this plant contain the daily dose of vitamin C for an adult. They taste slightly bitter, but the stems and flowers have a pleasant sweetish taste. They can be dried for future use and used in crushed form in winter as a vitamin supplement along with other greens.Use of primrose in medicine
But above all, primrose is a valuable medicinal raw material in the pharmaceutical industry and is widely used in medicine.Chemical composition of primrose
The roots and rhizomes of primrose contain polysaccharides, tannins, phenolic glycosides (primulaverine and primveroside), triterpene saponins (5-10%), essential oils(0.08%), silicic and salicylic acids, beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, micro- and macroelements and other biologically active substances. The leaves of the plant contain saponins (up to 2%), flavonoids, ascorbic acid (up to 700 mg%) and beta-carotene (up to 3 mg%). Primrose flowers contain saponins, flavonoids, essential oil and vitamin C.Medicinal properties of primrose
Primrose is widely used in official and folk medicine. Preparations from the roots and rhizomes of primrose have a weak diuretic, diaphoretic and expectorant effect, enhance the secretory activity of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract and bronchi, increase the activity of the ciliated epithelium and accelerate the removal of sputum from the respiratory tract. Plant preparations are used for coughs, catarrhal gastritis, diseases of the upper respiratory tract, chronic tracheitis, bronchitis and bronchopneumonia, diseases nervous system, and as a sedative for insomnia. Fresh primrose leaves are used as a vitamin preparation for making teas and vitamin C concentrates, which are taken to treat vitamin deficiencies, as well as for lethargy, lack of appetite and gum diseases. Decoctions and infusions of primrose flowers are used for insomnia, headaches, neuralgia, colds, coughs, gout, rheumatism and as a diaphoretic. Alcohol tincture Primrose flowers are used as a sedative for insomnia and nervous overexcitation. A decoction, tincture and syrup of primrose rhizomes is recommended as a diuretic, as well as an emollient and expectorant for coughs. Externally, a decoction of the roots of the plant is used for gargling for sore throat, larynx and bronchitis. An infusion of primrose leaves is used for gout, kidney diseases and Bladder, and in a mixture with nettle infusion (taken in a 1:1 volume) for rashes, boils and other skin diseases. A decoction of the leaves of the plant is used externally in the form of lotions and compresses for bruises.Primrose - contraindications
The use of primrose preparations is contraindicated during pregnancy, lactation and in case of individual intolerance. The use of primrose can cause allergies in the form of an inflammatory itchy rash. In this case, the medication should be stopped immediately.Evening primrose
Let's bring some clarity. The often mentioned evening primrose is actually an evening primrose (lat. Oenothera) of the fireweed family (lat. Onagraceae), and it is popularly called primrose (another name is aspen).
To primroses (lat. Primula), about which we're talking about In this article, evening primrose is not relevant. You can read more about evening primrose, as well as evening primrose oil.
From the history:
Among the many beautiful plants, people have long identified primroses. They did not get lost among the bright splendor of roses. peonies, tulips, gladioli and other equally striking plants. This is surprising when you remember that most primroses are small, modest plants with small flowers. They probably attracted a person’s attention with their early flowering, when the heart, yearning for the long autumn and winter, yearns to meet spring, with the rebirth of life. This is where these delicate golden-yellow flowers appear, coloring the meadow, corners of the park and garden. And although there are other plants that bloom before primroses, it is primroses that have the name “primrose” - the first to bloom. People also call them “rams” (young leaves, wavy and pubescent, similar to the backs of lambs), “keys” (flowers are collected in an inflorescence that resembles a bunch of keys).
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Primula ‘Tie Dye’ Photo by Dubova Galina |
 Primula ‘Captain Blood’ Photo by Dubova Galina |
 Primula ‘Francesca’ Photo by Dubova Galina |
 Primula juliae ‘Sneeuwwitji’ Photo by Dubova Galina |
 Primula acaulis ser. "Daniella" F1 Photo by Dubova Galina |
 Primula "Rowallan Rose" Photo by Mikhail Polotnov |
 Primula cardifolia Photo by Kirill Tkachenko |
 Primula chungensis Photo by Kirill Tkachenko |
 Primula twilly Photo by Kirill Tkachenko |
Primrose was known in ancient times and was considered the medicinal flower of Olympus: it was called dodecatheon (flower of the 12 gods) and was believed to be a cure for all ailments. One of the first spring flowers, the primrose looks like a bunch of golden keys; according to the Old Norse sagas, these are the keys of the fertility goddess Freya, with which she opens spring. According to another legend, these are the sprouted keys to heaven, which St. Peter dropped it to the ground. In some areas Germany- these are the keys of marriage; Even in the times of the Celts and Gauls, primrose was part of the love potion. By Danish According to legends, the elves turned their princess into a primrose when she fell in love with a mere mortal. By ancient Greek According to legend, the primrose arose from the body of the young man Paralysos who died of love, whom the gods, out of compassion, turned into a fragrant flower; Therefore, it was believed that it could cure paralysis, and in medicine until recently it was called the paralysis herb. The miraculous power of the primrose covered many areas: in Piedmont it was believed that it protects from devilish obsessions, drives away demons, makes the bones of innocently dead people crawl out of the ground; V Germany the magical property of tear-grass was attributed to him - to open treasures; V Little Russia it was a talisman protecting life; V England it was a magical flower in which tiny fairies and gnomes live. It is the primrose in Switzerland considered a symbol of happiness, an emblem of love for the motherland.
Primula florindae X waltonii
Photo by Mikhail Polotnov
Primrose enjoys special affection from the English; During the development of Australia, the shipment of primroses to the British who went there assumed extraordinary proportions. In England there are several clubs for lovers of Primrose auricula only, not to mention other species. Auricula are the most popular primroses in England. If in 1597 only a few varieties of this species were grown there, then in 1629 it was already described big number their. Like tulip mania in Holland, England was struck by auriculomania. New varieties of primrose auricula were grown everywhere by both very rich and poor people. Primroses, especially auricula, have become a favorite national flower. In the 17th - 19th centuries, a huge number of their varieties, including terry ones, were obtained in the country. The varieties bred over 350 years ago were called Florist Flowers. They were planted according to certain rules and established standards. However, by the end of the 19th century, these rules lost popularity. During the period of the First and Second World Wars, people had no time for flowers, and collections were preserved only in associations of primrose lovers.
But since 1945, a revival of the culture of primroses in general and auricula in particular began. In modern England, primrose exhibitions are held annually, where both new and preserved ancient varieties are demonstrated. There is something to show and see. Amazing gray, green, orange, red, two-tone and terry, as if sprinkled with chalk - these auricles never cease to delight and surprise. In general, primroses began to be grown in gardens already in the middle of the 16th century. They successfully competed in Europe with lush carnations. They were depicted in paintings and dishes.
Primula x hybr "Francesca"
Photo of Elena Solovyova
The healing power of spring primrose has long been known among the people: in Germany, dried flowers were used as a nerve-strengthening tea and mixed with wine; in England, young leaves are eaten in the spring as a salad, and the roots are used as a spice; in Rus' it was considered a flower of vigor and health. Flower arrows were eaten; diaphoretic and soothing decoctions and ointments for eczema were prepared from the leaves and flowers; powder from dry leaves was used to treat scurvy; Consumption and fever were treated by boiling the roots in milk. One primrose leaf replenishes the body's daily need for vitamin C, which makes it an indispensable remedy for exhaustion and anemia.
Description: The genus primrose, or primrose (Primula L.), is one of the most numerous genera of plants in the world flora. According to various authors, there are from 400 to 550 species of these plants in nature. Moreover, scientists are still discovering new species of primroses. Most of them (about 300 species) grow in Asia, the Himalayas and western China. Only 33 species grow in Europe, and 20 species grow in North America. Only a few species are found in Africa, South America, Arabia and one species (Primula imperialis) - on the island of Java.
Primula maximowiczii
Photo by Mikhail Polotnov
Many primroses in nature grow in damp places - along the banks of mountain streams and streams, in wet meadows. For example, the Florinda primrose can be found in Tibet, near watercourses at an altitude of about 4000 m, and the fine-toothed primrose can be found in the alpine meadows of the Himalayas at an altitude of 2300-4300 m. The popular primrose auricula (eared) comes from the mountains of southern and central Europe, where it lives in cracks rocks, between stones, rising to a height of over 2000 m. Wet meadows, banks of streams and streams are favorite places for the beautiful Bulley primrose, growing in China at an altitude of about 3000 m. The Japanese primrose lives in the mountain valleys of the Kuril Islands and Japan. As you can see, baby primroses live and thrive in such harsh conditions where other, larger plants cannot grow. Mountains are a kind of pedestal that raises primroses high above other plants. Some of them grow near snowfields, in very specific environmental conditions. Such species are difficult, and often impossible, to grow in flower beds. In general, plant lovers have long noticed: the most beautiful mountain primroses cannot be grown in gardens. Even if some species grow in culture, they turn out to be short-lived. However, to the delight of gardeners, there are many species that can be cultivated without much difficulty. In general, about 200 species of primroses are now grown in the world, i.e. a third of all known.
Primula x hybr "Russian pearlescent"
Photo by Mikhail Polotnov
The introduction of beautiful Asian primroses (Japanese, fine-toothed, Bulley, Sikkimese, etc.) into ornamental gardening in Europe is associated with the names of famous plant lovers G. Forrest, G. Sherriff, F. Ludlow, F. Ward. The latter introduced 66 new species of primroses into culture.
Primulas are spring-flowering plants, but among them there are also summer-flowering ones, for example, Bis, Florinda, and Bulley primroses. They differ in the color of the flowers, the shape and size of the leaves. In some species the flowers are solitary, in others they are collected in various inflorescences. For example, the amazing Vial primrose has a pyramidal inflorescence with lilac buds that turn into red flowers. The Himalayan primrose fine-toothed flowers are collected in inflorescences-balls of white, lilac color.
Breeders also make their contribution to increasing the diversity of primroses. To date, thousands of varieties have been bred, surprising in color, sometimes two- and three-color, and even double flowers. Special attention devoted to the selection of auricular primrose (auricula), the variety of colors of which seems to have surpassed all possible dreams of flower growers. Among them there are even varieties with gray and green petals! The pride of flower growers are varieties whose petals are “shaded” in different colors and even “powdered.”
Some types of primroses have long been grown indoors as a potted crop. Nowadays in this
Numerous modern varieties of common primrose play a role. Planted in small containers or baskets, they are especially readily sold out before the New Year and the 8th of March holiday. Bright, cheerful and at the same time, like all spring flowers, delicate, primroses do not get lost against the background of traditional bouquets of roses, gerberas, and chrysanthemums.
Primroses have long been one of the most beloved plants in landscape design. Some believe that, unlike the “cold” tulips and daffodils, primroses are “warmer” and therefore more attractive. Even the only modest primrose bush in the spring garden with yellow “key” flowers is sure to attract the eye. When you see bright groups of numerous colorful spring beauties, you understand why it is primroses that open the joyful flowering of the kingdom of Flora.
"Wockey"
\Photo by Irina Mersiyanova
The genus of primrose has been studied quite fully by botanists. Back in 1817, Lehmann’s monograph was published, then the works of Duby, Decandolle, Schot, Kaminsky, Ruprecht, Pax and others appeared, containing classifications of the genus. Russian botanists N.I. made a great contribution to the study of the taxonomy of the genus. Kuznetsova, E.A. Bush, E. Regel, A.S. Lozina-Lozinskaya.
Botanists divide the genus Primrose into 7 subgenera (Aleuritia, Auganthus, Auriculastrum, Carolinella, Craibia, Primula, Sphondylia). However, in ornamental gardening they use another, more convenient practical work classification in which all primroses are divided into 23 sections depending on morphological characteristics.
Primula x loiseleurii "Lismore Yellow"
Photo by Mikhail Polotnov
In conditions middle zone Only some species from individual sections of the genus can be grown in open ground. Below is a brief description of them.
Includes about 90 species. Plants with a yellow or white powdery coating. Flower petals are usually shorter than the calyx leaves. The flowers are mostly lilac, reddish-violet, yellow or white.
Plants do not last long in cultivation. They are usually grown as biennials. Most species are native to Asia. Grows in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soils, sunny areas or in partial shade. They need winter shelter. Replant in early spring. Used for planting near ponds, on shady rocky hills, along streams on hills.
Primula subgenus: Aleuritia section: Soldanelloides
Norwegian primrose-Primula finmarchicaPrimula subgenus: Aleuritia section: Aleuritia
Siberian primrose- Primula sibirica
Primula daryal - Primula darialicaPrimula subgenus: Aleuritia section: Crystallophlomis
Powdery primrose - Primula farinosa L.
Primula foliage - Primula frondosa Janka
Primrose Hallera - Primula halleri J.F. Gmel
Scottish primrose- Primula scotica
Primrose cold- Primula algida
Snow primrose- Primula nivalisPrimula subgenus: Aleuritia section: Proliferae
Turkestan primrose- Primula turcestanica
Primula chionanta- Primula chionantha
Primrose hungen-Primula chungensis Bali. f. et Ward.Primula subgenus: Aleuritia section: Sikkimensis
Alpine primrose fine-toothed-Primula microdenta var. alpicola W.W.
Includes small to medium-sized perennial primroses that bloom in early spring and feature smooth, serrated leaves and pink flowers with a yellow eye. A typical representative is Primrose pink- Primula rosea Royle.
Includes 21 species, all of them of European origin. The plants are low growing with jagged woody roots. The leaves are succulent and leathery. The stems and flowers seem to be sprinkled with a powdery coating. The flowers are pink, lilac, purple, often with a white eye, or yellow. The petals are oval, their width, as a rule, exceeds their length. Many varieties have been developed with very different flower colors.
Propagated by seeds, which are sown in October-November. Many species do not completely repeat the properties of their parents. They need to be isolated or pollinated artificially. Seeds sown before winter germinate the following spring. When sowing in spring, it is recommended to freeze the seeds by covering the pots with snow for several days. The sown seeds are sprinkled with a thin layer of sand. The bushes are divided immediately after flowering. Low growing varieties and forms are propagated by cuttings of rhizomes.
Primula subgenus: Auriculastrum section: Auricula subsection: Euauricula
Primrose carniolian- Primula carniolicaPrimula subgenus: Auriculastrum section: Auricula subsection: Arthritica
Primula aurica, or auricula - Primula auricula L.
Primula pubescent- Primula x pubescens Jacqui.
Primula coarse-haired- Primula hirsuta All, P. rubra F. Gmel.
Primrose fringed- Primula marginata
Primrose Delescluze- Primula clusiana Tausch.Primula subgenus: Auriculastrum section: Auricula subsection: Erythrodrosum
Primula hairy - Primula villosa WulfPrimula subgenus: Auriculastrum section: Auricula subsection: Chamaecallis
Primrose small - Primula minima L.Section of Corthusoides
In addition to the cortus primrose, which is found from Siberia to Europe, this section also contains twenty-three species of Asian primroses growing in Japan, Korea, and China. Plants without powdery coating. The leaves are petiolate. The flowers are funnel-shaped.
These primroses are quite easy to grow if they are planted in humus-rich soils. They grow equally successfully in the sun and in partial shade. They often self-sow and naturalize. Typically, section species are planted in landscape gardens among rhododendrons and evergreen trees. They are propagated by seeds; Siebold's primrose and its varieties are propagated by division and rhizome segments.
Primula subgenus: Auganthus section: Cortusoides
Primula polynervosa- Primula polyneuraSection of denticulate primroses (Denticulaia)
Primrose cortusiformes - Primula cortusoides
Primrose rock - Primula saxatilis
Primula Siebold- Primula sieboldii
Primrose rejected- Primula patens Turcz.
Primrose capitata - Primula capitataSection Julia
Primrose fine-toothed- Primula denticulata Smith
Includes only one species and its hybrids
Primrose Julia- Primula juliae Kusn.Section Muscarioides
Primula Prugonica - Primula x pruhoniciana hort. .
Includes 17 species from the Himalayas, Tibet and western China. The plants are distinguished by their original pointed cylindrical inflorescences. Most species in cultivation are rarely perennial. As a rule, they are biennials. So that every year there are blooming primroses this section, their seeds need to be sown annually (like other biennials). It is better to grow them in partial shade. These species require quite a lot of moisture during the growing season, and in the autumn-winter period, on the contrary, excess moisture destroys the plants. During this period, they need rather dry soil. Plants prefer soils consisting of a mixture of topsoil, peat and river sand. For the winter they are well covered or transferred to cold greenhouses. They grow late in the spring - at the end of May.
They reproduce by seeds, which are sown densely.
Primrose orchid, or vial - Рrimula vialiiSection Primula
Primula muscariformes- Primula muscarioides
Includes four European species, naturally distributed in Europe, Asia Minor, the Urals, the Caucasus, and Iran. These plants do not have a powdery coating. Almost all types of sections have long been cultivated and used in breeding. They are unpretentious and easy to grow. They reproduce easily by dividing bushes and seeds.
Primrose is lovely- Primula amoena Bieb.Section of candelabra primroses (Proliferae, Candelabra)
Primrose high- Primula elatior
High primrose hybrids- Primula Elatior Hybrids
Primula polyanthus, or primrose multiflorum- Primula poliantha
Spring primrose-Primula veris
Primula vulgaris, or stemless-Primula vulgaris = P. acaulis
Primula Voronova - Primula voronowii A.Los.
Primula Komarova - Primula komarovii A.Los
Primrose of Pallas- Primula pallasii
Primula macrocalyx– Primula macrocalyx
Primrose Ruprecht-Primula ruprechtii
Includes about 30 species, growing mainly in the mountains of southwest China, Burma, India, the mountains of Japan, Sumatra, and Java. Gardeners appreciated these large plants with bright rings (tiers) of inflorescences on tall peduncles. In addition, species in this section bloom in summer. Thanks to all the listed qualities, these primroses are grown in the middle zone, although they have to be well covered for the winter.
The leaves of the plants are large, and in some species they are evergreen. All species of this section are most often biennials and only in very good conditions - perennials. They are grown in moist, fertile, humus-rich soil in semi-shaded and sometimes shady areas. Heavy soils are improved by adding a mixture of turf soil and peat, and fine gravel for drainage. Plants of these species are easy to grow from seeds. It is better to divide the bushes at the beginning of summer, when the queen cells are stronger and healthier, and the divisions have time to take root well before the fall. When grown in semi-shaded areas, plants often self-sow.
Primula Byssa-Primula beesiana ForrFor practical floriculture, German experts have proposed a classification of species, varieties and hybrids of primroses, which is based on the shape and arrangement of inflorescences or flowers on plants. Five groups have been identified.
Primrose Bullea-Primula bulleyana Forr.
Primrose Cockburn-Primula coekburniana Hemsl
Primrose powdered- Primula pulverulenta Duthie
Japanese primrose- Primula japonica A. Gray
- 1. Cushion-shaped- solitary flowers, each on its own short peduncle, slightly rising above the rosette of leaves. These are Voronova primrose, small primrose, common primrose, Yulia primrose, etc.
- 2. Umbrella-shaped- flowers are collected in a one-sided or round umbrella, rising above the rosette of leaves on a peduncle up to 20 cm high. These are spring primrose, high primrose, rejected primrose, pink primrose, polyanthus, auricular primrose, hybrids of auricular primrose, etc.
- 3. Capitate or spherical- the flowers are collected in dense capitate inflorescences on a strong peduncle, the height of which during the flowering period is 15-20 cm, and during the fruiting period - 30-45 cm. These are capitate primrose, fine-toothed primrose and its varieties.
- 4. Tiered or candelabra - the flowers are collected in whorled inflorescences, consisting of several tiers, located on strong peduncles and very similar to candelabra. They bloom in mid-summer. The flowers are wide-open, small, about 1 cm in diameter. The rosettes are powerful, the leaves are elongated, basal. They prefer loose, nutritious soils. Moisture-loving. They are short-lived and require regular rejuvenation. Most species are hardy. In cold, snowless winters, dry shelter is necessary. The most hardy species growing in the wet mountain meadows of China are Byss primrose, Bulley's primrose, powdered primrose, and Japanese primrose.
- 5. Campanulate - inflorescences consist of drooping or drooping flowers and are located above a beautiful rosette of leaves on peduncles of varying heights:
- Sikkimese primrose - P. sikkimensis
Florinda's Primrose - R. florindae
There are a large number of species little known to gardeners. Photos of primroses that are not included in the above groups...
All described types of primroses, despite the difference in origin and place of growth, are quite unpretentious and winter-hardy. In central Russia they freeze out extremely rarely and remain decorative even with minimal care. Early and long flowering makes them indispensable in areas with cool and humid climates.
In order for primroses to bloom magnificently, it is important to choose the right site and provide the necessary care. This is not difficult to do if you know where primroses grow in nature and try to create similar conditions for them in your garden.
Location: Some types of primroses grow in open areas, others most often in shade, among grasses of mountain and foothill meadows, bushes and trees, on northern mountain slopes, in rock crevices, between stones. But both species in the middle zone are best grown in shaded areas or in areas shaded during the midday hours. This could be a shady corner of the garden, among fruit or other deciduous trees, or a flower garden, illuminated by the sun only in the morning, located on the east side of the house. On rocky hills, primroses are best planted on the east, north or west side.
The soil: soil water regime - important element successful growing of plants. For primroses it is especially relevant. After all, in nature they grow on moist soils, often near snowfields, along mountain streams or rivers. Therefore, in flower beds they should not lack moisture, but the soil should not be damp. Most species do not like stagnant water. Moist, well-drained soil is what they need. Primroses require especially a lot of moisture in the spring. At this time, in the mountains, where most of them come from, the snow melts, and the plants literally bathe in water - for this reason they are not afraid of cold spring water. In the middle zone, April and May, when growth and flowering of most types of primroses begin, are often dry and sunny. Lack of moisture in the soil during this critical period for growth and development leads to weakening of plants and a decrease in their decorative value. Therefore, in the spring you need to keep the soil on the site moist and make sure that it does not dry out. Moreover, gardeners successfully grow some primroses (for example, Siebold's primrose) even immersed in 1-2 cm of water! Primroses are not recommended to be planted on high ridges, where the soil usually dries out quickly.
Soil nutrition and fertilizing. In nature, some types of primroses, for example Hallera, Julia, shaggy, coarse-haired, grow on rocky slopes, settle between stones, in crevices where the nutrient soil layer is small. Other species (Japanese primrose, fine-toothed, Florinda, Bisa, Siebold, etc.) are plants of meadows and forests, river valleys, river banks, preferring fertile soils and shading. In the garden, both species need to be grown in nutritious, loose soils. Particularly good are cultivated loose clay soils, which contain many nutrients and retain moisture.
Heavy clay soils Primroses are not suitable. To improve them, add sand (a bucket per 1 m2), vermiculite, chopped sphagnum moss, and also add up to 20 kg organic fertilizers per 1 m2 or replace the top soil layer (20 cm) with the prepared nutrient mixture. For the second and third years, it is enough to pay only mineral fertilizers, and phosphorus and potassium - in the fall.
Light soils, where there are few nutrients, require at least 15-20 kg per 1 m2 of organic fertilizers: decomposed humus (5 kg), compost or leaf soil (10 kg), weathered peat (5 kg), which not only enrich the soil with nutrients substances, but also improve its structure and water regime. For more lush flowering of plants, add 20 g of phosphorus and potassium and 10-15 g of nitrogen fertilizers. If all the components are not available, then the mixture is made up of two, adding them in the following quantities: 10 kg of compost soil and 10 kg of humus, or 15 kg of humus or compost soil and 5 kg of peat. Peat crumbs or leaf soil should make up a quarter of the applied organic fertilizers.
Care: do not require much care. The soil should always be moist, loose and free of weeds. In loose soil, roots form faster in young rosettes. During the growing season, plants are fed three times. The first feeding is carried out in early spring, the second - after 2-3 weeks, the third - at the end of July-mid-August with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. Primulas are very responsive to the application of slurry during the growing season. Every year, 2-3 cm of loose nutritious soil is poured under the primrose bushes, and it is even better to cover the entire area occupied by plants with this layer.
Over the course of 3-4 years, the primrose bushes grow, and new rosettes begin to crowd each other. Therefore, after 3-4 years they are planted, i.e. They divide the bushes. If this is not done, the plants become smaller, flowering weakens, and decorativeness is lost.
For a good overwintering of plants, it is important to preserve the rosette of leaves until late autumn, as it serves as a natural shelter. It is recommended to cover species such as fine-toothed and common primrose with dry tree leaves in a layer of 10 cm for the winter. Japanese primrose, Clusiana, Sibtorpa, Siebold are recommended to be covered in late autumn with a layer of leaves up to 10 cm.
Experienced flower growers recommend plucking rosettes of leaves from fine-toothed primula, Japanese primrose, and Florinda, leaving no more than three or four in each bush. This technique contributes, firstly, to more luxuriant flowering of plants, and secondly, to a reduction in the incidence of rot of leaves and root collars.
Diseases and pests: primrose can be affected by stem and root collar rot, rust, white rust, bacterial leaf spot, anthracnose, powdery mildew, jaundice, cucumber mosaic and tomato spotted wilt viruses, leaf, stem and root-knot nematodes, aphids, weevils, spider mite, slugs, beetles, fleas, etc.
The greatest damage to primroses is caused by spots caused by the fungus. Ramularia cercosporella.
The disease manifests itself in late spring and early summer. Round or angular spots are visible on the leaves, initially pale, then gray or brown with a yellowish border. In mid and late summer, a gray or white coating forms on the spots - conidial sporulation of fungi. The affected leaves gradually dry out, the flowering of the plant weakens, and the primroses lose their decorative effect.
Control measures . Diseased leaves are removed and destroyed. Plants are sprayed with foundationazole (2%), topsin (0.2%), and zineb (1.5%). Bordeaux mixture (1%) and copper oxychloride (0.5%) are also used. Plants are treated in early spring and after flowering. In autumn, primroses are sprayed with nitrafen (1%).
Observations have shown that Japanese, fine-toothed, and Florinda primroses are not affected by spots; single spots are found on auricular, Pallas, and pink primroses; an average degree of damage (up to 25%) was noted in spring primrose, common, high, and strong (50% and above) - at the primrose Julia, Prugonitskaya.
Reproduction: The fruits of most species ripen in July-August. Primroses are propagated by seeds, dividing the bush and leaf cuttings.
Seeds primrose quickly lose their viability. For example, the germination of seeds stored until spring sowing, especially at high temperatures (20 °C), is reduced by 20-40% or more. In addition, germination of seeds, even if stored for only a few weeks, will be delayed. Therefore, it is best to sow freshly harvested seeds - immediately after harvesting. open ground or better in boxes installed in the ground so as not to lose the seedlings. In the greenhouse, sowing is carried out in early February. For most plants, a substrate made from a mixture of leaf humus (2 parts), turf soil and sand (1 part each) is suitable. Sow them superficially, no more than 5 grains per 1 cm, press down and place in a film bag. Close and place in the freezer for 3-4 weeks at a temperature no higher than minus 10°C. After freezing, place the crops of pink primrose, p. pubescent, p. Florinda and p. japonica on the window, shade them from direct sun, try not to overdry. Temperature for germination is 16-18°C. Germination of seeds sown in winter is accelerated if the crops are covered with snow for several days. Primrose seeds sown in autumn germinate in 14-18 weeks, and sown in spring - in 20-30 days. After freezing, sowings of high primrose and Siebold's pear are planted in the dark at the same temperature as for the above-mentioned species. As soon as the seeds hatch, they are moved to the light, but with shade.
Common primrose and small-toothed primrose do not need freezing. Crops of the first type are germinated in the light, the second - in the dark. After the emergence of seedlings, the bags are opened slightly and gradually begin to accustom the seedlings to the air, but continue to provide shade from direct sun. After 10-12 days, when the seedlings have grown and become stronger, the bags are removed. Primrose seedlings grow very slowly. It is important to ensure that the substrate underneath is constantly moist.
When one or two true leaves appear, the seedlings dive into boxes. You can dive seedlings directly into the ground for permanent place. The planting distance for small species is 10 - 15 cm, for larger ones - 20 - 30 cm. Primroses should be planted in such a way that the plantings are closed and there is no open space between the rosettes of leaves, since plants do not like this. They grow for two years, covering them with a 10 cm layer of foliage for the winter. They are planted in a permanent place in the spring or autumn of the second year. Young plants bloom in the second or third year.
Sometimes, during unfavorable winters, plants freeze or damp out. So that the garden does not remain without their bright flowers, you should always save the seeds from last year’s harvest until spring. They should be stored in a cool place (for example, on a balcony or just outside a window, in a basement, in a refrigerator), mixed with sand or soil.
Japanese primrose must be periodically propagated by seeds, since 2-3-year-old plants bloom more luxuriantly.
Primroses are divided usually in the third to fifth year of cultivation, when they have grown sufficiently, in early spring or summer, in late July - August. You can do this immediately after flowering. The plant must be dug up, the soil must be thoroughly shaken off its roots, and the remaining soil must be washed off with water in a bucket. You can divide a plant without such preparation, but it is much more convenient to work with clean plants.
The best time for planting bushes is August and the first half of September. With more late transplant they may freeze and suffer from bulging in the spring (in this case, after the snow melts, the plants must be pressed tightly to the ground). Such plants often freeze out in winter.
Most primroses are spring flowering plants. April and May are the period of their active growth. After flowering and seed ripening, primroses enter a period of summer dormancy. At the beginning of August, plants “wake up” - the growth of roots and leaves is activated, flower buds are laid, which in the spring of next year will turn into beautiful flowers. This feature of plant development determines the optimal period for their division: August - the first ten days of September or early spring, although species common in gardens (primrose Julia, tall, many-flowered, Siebold) tolerate replanting well even at the time of flowering. And here blooming in spring It is advisable to divide fine-toothed primrose in early spring or August. The plant tolerates later division worse and may freeze in winter.
Summer-flowering primroses Florinda, Bisa, and Japanese are not winter-hardy enough in the conditions of the middle zone and are best planted in the spring, before flowering.
The plants are watered before digging. Using a knife, the plant is divided into several parts. The size can be chosen arbitrarily, but each part must have at least one renewal bud. The surface of the cuts should be sprinkled with ash. Cooked planting material should not dry out. It must be planted in the ground as soon as possible, labeled and watered.
The dug up bushes are divided into rosettes and planted at a distance of 10-15 cm, and large species (fine-toothed primrose, Florinda) at a distance of 20-30 cm from each other. In general, it is good that there is no open space between neighboring bushes, especially small species. Then the rosettes of leaves shade the soil near the bush, and it dries out less. It is advisable to water the transplanted plants daily for 10-12 days, especially if the weather is dry.
In case of later autumn planting, it is better to cover the plants for the winter.
Division allows not only to obtain planting material, but also to rejuvenate the plant. If primroses grow in one place for a long time without replanting, then the flowering of old bushes weakens, and the rhizome with the bulk of the roots, located close to the soil surface, is exposed. In winters with little snow, such bushes can freeze, and in hot weather they can dry out. Therefore, every autumn, starting from the second year, nutritious soil must be added to the plants to cover the rhizome.
Many species, such as Primula auricula, reproduce in small rosettes of leaves, which easily take root in cold greenhouses or in beds, with obligatory shade. It takes root in 15-20 days. Here they overwinter, and in the spring they are planted in a permanent place. Serrated primrose can be propagated root cuttings. Large specimens of this species have several thick roots. To accelerate the formation of buds, a longitudinal cut 1-1.5 cm long is made in the upper part of the root. The prepared cuttings are planted in light soil to a depth of 3 cm. Further care carried out using conventional technology.
Usage: unpretentiousness when growing, cold resistance, early and very long flowering have made primrose indispensable in places with a cool and humid climate.
It is recommended to plant primroses under a not too dense tree canopy and in open sunny places in singles and mixed plantings with other perennials. If you make even a small collection of representatives of this extensive genus, it will decorate the garden from early spring to mid-summer. From primroses, you can choose varieties for any place in your garden. You can use them to create ridges, groups on the lawn, decorate waste corners, rocky slides. Primroses perfectly decorate flower beds of various shapes and configurations, artificial mini-reservoirs, and garden vases.
In any garden there are always more or less inconvenient places where, it seems, nothing good will grow. In this case, primroses will help out. Among them, you can choose a group of the most unpretentious species, which, although they do not shine with special brightness and beauty, will still delight you with their freshness. These species include spring primrose (R. veris), ordinary (R. vulgaris), large-cupped (R. macrocalyx). In addition, these species have many garden forms and hybrids. More colorful and decorative, but also not particularly demanding on growing conditions, are species such as fine-toothed, tall, auricular, and Japanese primroses. The flowering of primroses is quite long and stretches from April to the end of June. Primroses look good both in single plantings and in groups. When selecting plants for group plantings, it is necessary to take into account the flowering time and the size of the leaf rosettes. Plants blooming in turns will increase the decorativeness of the flower bed, and the closed foliage will not allow weeds to appear. A group of varieties and garden forms of spring primrose will look very good on the lawn. In early spring, it will delight you with abundant flowering, purity and brightness of colors. By planting pure spring primrose, you can use its leaves to prepare vitamin-rich salads.
Primroses feel good not only on flat horizontal areas. Neither an alpine hill nor a decorative pond can do without them. Primrose Julia is very suitable for planting on a hill (R. juliae), auricular, rocky (R. saxatilis). They are all very different from each other and will create the necessary variety.
To design a reservoir, you will need primroses that grow wild at high altitudes of the Himalayan range, mainly in wetlands and stream banks. These species include the magnificent Florinda primroses (R. florindae), alpine (R. alpicola), Sikkimese (R. sikkimensis). In addition to decorative qualities, these species have a wonderful aroma. They are the best spring decoration for gardens and parks. They should be placed under a sparse canopy of trees in single and mixed plantings. Primroses grow well in containers (box, barrel, flowerpot, etc.). Decoratively stable, long-blooming perennials form variegated carpets of delicate, cheerful colors during flowering. Serrated primrose and Japanese primrose can also be used for cutting.
Beauty and diversity appearance, flowering forms and colors of representatives of the rich primrose family will certainly not leave collectors indifferent. When choosing a place, a specialized area that will be allocated for a collection of primroses, specify only the plant requirements in terms of soil, moisture and light, and it is not at all necessary to allocate a separate area for your favorite flowers. If you have collected several varieties of tall primrose and polyantha, you can plant them along the path leading from the entrance to the site to the door of the house, or create a large group on the lawn. Garden forms of Japanese primrose with pink, lilac, white flowers, its natural appearance with bright purple inflorescences - here is another mini-collection that will fit perfectly into a rhododendron garden and give it a unique flavor. A group of varieties from Primrose Julia will create a reliable, stable border for a flower bed and at the same time demonstrate all the variety of colors.
Recently, it has been popular to grow primroses in containers - bowls, carts, baskets, etc. In this case, it is good to use water-retaining gels, which will maintain the quickly drying container soil in the moist state necessary for primroses.
Forcing primroses: Plants intended for forcing are planted in containers in July, which are left in the garden until the autumn cold, and then transferred to a cool room or left in the garden, covered with leaves or any other material. 1-1.5 months before the desired flowering period, the containers are transferred to a bright, warm place. In spring, faded primroses are divided and planted in the garden.
Partners: go well with daffodils, scylla, muscari, phlox, and low irises.
Read:
Tatiana SHAPOVAL "Reflections on Primroses"
Galina KULYGINA "Agrotechnics Primrose"
M. SYUVALEPP Primroses of Estonian selection
E. LIVENTAAL Forcing by March 8
Materials used:
Vavilova L.P. "Primrose: Popular Science Edition." - M.: Armada-press, 2001. - 32 p.: ill. - (Plant it yourself).
Lunina N.M. "Primroses" - M.: Publishing house. House of SMEs, 2006. - 48 p.
In very early spring, after the snow melts, primrose flowers appear on the sun-warmed ground. They are also called primroses (“primus” is Latin for “first”).
It's grassy perennial with elliptical leaves. Primrose height is 10-25 cm. Fragrant yellow flowers are collected in umbrella-shaped inflorescences.
Several dozen species of primrose are common in our country. The plant is native to the South and North America, and primrose was brought to Europe in the 17th century. And already at the beginning of the next century it found its application in medicine.
There are many legends about the origin of primrose. One of the legends says that the Apostle Peter dropped the keys to the gates of heaven after learning that rejected spirits had forged these very keys. They fell to the ground and grew in this place beautiful flowers. Indeed, flower inflorescences are somewhat reminiscent of a bunch of keys that were in ancient times. In German, primrose is called “heavenly springs”, “Peter’s springs”. In western Russia it is simply called “keys”.
The ancient Greeks called primrose the flower of the twelve gods. According to legend, twelve gods gathered together and decided the fate of a young man struck down by paralysis. They decided to turn it into a flower. This flower began to be considered medicine from various diseases, also from paralysis.
Useful properties of primrose
Primrose is known not only as beautiful plant, but also as a plant with beneficial medicinal properties.
The above-ground part of the plant contains many vitamins. Primrose leaves have a huge amount of ascorbic acid and carotene. The roots contain saponins, glycosides and essential oil.
Thanks to the high content of vitamin C and carotene, primrose officinalis comes to the rescue in spring period, a period of vitamin deficiency, when a person experiences a significant need for vitamins. The leaves can be eaten raw, prepared into salads, added to soups and stir-fries. They have a sweetish taste and a pleasant smell. Two leaves provide a person’s daily requirement of vitamin C. You can also use powder from dried leaves to season dishes; in this form, they retain up to 95% of vitamin C and do not lose their properties throughout the year.
Primrose leaves were also used to treat wounds or cuts; it was applied to the wound to reduce pain and speed up healing.
The plant has an analgesic effect (used to treat rheumatism) and a diuretic effect (in the treatment of bladder and kidney diseases).
Primrose is a good expectorant for bronchitis, laryngitis, pneumonia, whooping cough. It is used for sore throats, rhinitis, migraines, headaches, insomnia, and neurosis.
Primrose preparations have a vitamin and general strengthening effect. The drink made from the leaves and flowers of this plant is called a drink of vigor and health.
Use in folk medicine
- For nervous weakness, headaches, and insomnia, drink tea from primrose flowers.
- As a diaphoretic and diuretic, for colds and migraines, take tea from the flowers and leaves of the plant. Need 1 tbsp. pour a spoonful of dry leaves and flowers into a glass of boiling water, leave and take 4-6 tbsp. spoons every day.
- For coughs, chronic bronchitis, tracheobronchitis, use breast tea from primrose roots as an expectorant. To prepare it you need 1 tbsp. Pour one glass of boiling water over a spoonful of dried crushed roots and cook in a water bath for 30 minutes. The decoction should be refrigerated at room temperature for 30 minutes, then strain and bring to the original volume. Take 1-2 tbsp 3-4 times before meals. spoon.
- As an expectorant for pneumonia, bronchitis, whooping cough, take a decoction of primrose herb, 1 tbsp. spoon 3-4 times a day. This requires 20g. pour 200 ml of herbs. water and boil for 20 minutes over low heat.
- for general weakness, hypovitaminosis, poor appetite, cough, bronchitis, rheumatism, gout, use an infusion of leaves: 5-10 g. Infuse dried leaves powder in 200 ml. boiling water Take 3-4 times a day, 1 tbsp. spoon.
- An infusion of primrose flowers helps with headaches, neuroses, dizziness, migraines, and chronic constipation. You need 25 g. Pour 1 glass of boiling water over the flowers and leave for half an hour. Take 1-3 times a day, 100-200 ml.
Primrose oil
The most popular of the many types of primrose is evening primrose. From its seeds I obtain oil, which is widely used in the cosmetic and food industries.
The beneficial properties of the oil have been discovered quite recently. In folk medicine, primrose seeds had no use. Their research began in the 80s of the last century, when their unique property- give valuable oil.
The oil is transparent yellowish in color, similar in taste and composition to fish oil.
The healing powers of primrose oil
The medicinal properties of the oil are due to the content of unsaturated fatty acids in it: alpha-linoleic acid (70-79%) and gamma-linolenic acid (9.5-12%).
Oil properties:
- Primrose oil has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunostimulating effects. It is especially valuable during the cold season, as it can strengthen the immune system.
- Primrose oil, consumed as food, helps with kidney disease, arthritis, diabetes, prevents fatty liver, enhances fat burning, eases inflammatory processes in the intestines, improves digestion, and reduces abdominal pain.
- Thanks to unsaturated fatty acids, primrose oil has a positive effect on cardiovascular system, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, purifies the blood, prevents strokes and myocardial infarctions.
- The oil is recommended to be taken when high blood pressure And elevated level cholesterol.
- Using the oil externally and internally has a positive effect in the treatment of eczema. It can increase the human body’s resistance to various allergic reactions.
- In 1973, the antitumor effect of the oil was established. Primrose oil should be taken in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer.
- Thanks to its composition, the oil normalizes the hormonal levels of women and can reduce chest pain.
- The use of primrose oil is effective for depression, migraines, anxiety and stress.
Cosmetic effect of oil
Primrose oil has also found its use in cosmetology. It can be used for any skin type, it has the ability to regenerate cells and reduce wrinkles, eliminate irritation and dryness of the skin of the face and the whole body.
The oil has a moisturizing, cleansing, softening, nourishing, anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effect. It also has a beneficial effect on hair: it prevents hair loss, treats dandruff and revitalizes it.
Contraindications
Infusions and decoctions of primrose are not advisable for pregnant women, especially in the 1st trimester. Primrose oil is contraindicated in patients with schizophrenia, psoriasis and those taking epileptogenic drugs.
Before taking, you should consult your doctor.
Our grandmothers, growing garden strawberries, or strawberries, as we used to call them, did not particularly worry about mulching. But today this agricultural technique has become fundamental in achieving High Quality berries and reducing crop losses. Some might say it's a hassle. But practice shows that labor costs in in this case pay off handsomely. In this article we invite you to get acquainted with the nine the best materials for mulching garden strawberries.
Succulents are very diverse. Despite the fact that “little ones” have always been considered more fashionable, it’s worth taking a closer look at the range of succulents with which you can decorate a modern interior. After all, colors, sizes, patterns, degree of prickliness, impact on the interior are just a few of the parameters by which you can choose them. In this article we will tell you about the five most fashionable succulents that amazingly transform modern interiors.
The Egyptians used mint as early as 1.5 thousand years BC. It has a strong aroma due to the high content of various essential oils, which are highly volatile. Today, mint is used in medicine, perfumery, cosmetology, winemaking, cooking, ornamental gardening, and the confectionery industry. In this article we will look at the most interesting varieties of mint, and also talk about the features of growing this plant in open ground.
People began growing crocuses 500 years before our era. Although the presence of these flowers in the garden is fleeting, we always look forward to the return of the harbingers of spring to next year. Crocuses are one of the earliest primroses, whose flowering begins as soon as the snow melts. However, flowering times may vary depending on the species and varieties. This article is dedicated to the earliest varieties of crocuses, which bloom in late March and early April.
Cabbage soup made from early young cabbage in beef broth is hearty, aromatic and easy to prepare. In this recipe you will learn how to cook delicious beef broth and cook light cabbage soup with this broth. Early cabbage It cooks quickly, so it is placed in the pan at the same time as other vegetables, unlike autumn cabbage, which takes a little longer to cook. Ready cabbage soup can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. Real cabbage soup turns out tastier than freshly prepared cabbage soup.
Blueberries are a rare and promising berry crop in gardens. Blueberries are a source of biologically active substances and vitamins and have antiscorbutic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and tonic properties. The berries contain vitamins C, E, A, flavonoids, anthocyanins, microelements - zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, as well as plant hormones - phytoestrogens. Blueberries taste like a mixture of grapes and blueberries.
Looking at the variety of tomato varieties, it’s hard not to get confused - the choice is very wide today. Even experienced gardeners are sometimes confused by it! However, understanding the basics of selecting varieties “for yourself” is not so difficult. The main thing is to delve into the peculiarities of the culture and start experimenting. One of the easiest groups of tomatoes to grow are varieties and hybrids with limited growth. They have always been valued by those gardeners who do not have much energy and time to care for their beds.
Once very popular under the name of indoor nettle, and then forgotten by everyone, coleus today is one of the brightest garden and indoor plants. It is not for nothing that they are considered stars of the first magnitude for those who are primarily looking for non-standard colors. Easy to grow, but not so undemanding as to suit everyone, coleus require constant supervision. But if you take care of them, bushes made of velvety unique leaves will easily outshine any competitor.
Salmon backbone baked in Provençal herbs is a “supplier” of delicious pieces of fish pulp for light salad with fresh wild garlic leaves. The champignons are lightly fried in olive oil and then sprinkle with apple cider vinegar. These mushrooms are tastier than regular pickled ones, and they are better suited for baked fish. Wild garlic and fresh dill get along well in one salad, highlighting each other’s aroma. The garlicky pungency of wild garlic will permeate both the salmon flesh and mushroom pieces.
A coniferous tree or shrub on a site is always great, but a lot of conifers is even better. Emerald needles of various shades decorate the garden at any time of the year, and phytoncides and essential oils released by plants not only aromatize, but also make the air cleaner. As a rule, most zoned adults coniferous plants, are considered very unpretentious trees and shrubs. But young seedlings are much more capricious and require proper care and attention.
Sakura is most often associated with Japan and its culture. Picnics in the canopy flowering trees have long become an integral attribute of welcoming spring in the Land of the Rising Sun. The financial and academic year here begins on April 1, when the magnificent cherry blossoms bloom. Therefore, many significant moments in the life of the Japanese take place under the sign of their flowering. But sakura also grows well in cooler regions - certain species can be successfully grown even in Siberia.
I am very interested in analyzing how people's tastes and preferences for certain foods have changed over the centuries. What was once considered tasty and was an object of trade, lost its value over time and, conversely, new fruit crops conquered their markets. Quince has been cultivated for more than 4 thousand years! And even in the 1st century B.C. e. About 6 varieties of quince were known, and even then methods of its propagation and cultivation were described.
Delight your family and prepare themed cottage cheese cookies in the shape of Easter eggs! Your children will be happy to take part in the process - sift the flour, combine all the necessary ingredients, knead the dough and cut out intricate figures. Then they will watch with admiration as pieces of dough turn into real Easter eggs, and then with the same enthusiasm they will eat them with milk or tea. How to make such original cookies for Easter, read our step-by-step recipe!
Among tuberous crops, there are not so many decorative deciduous favorites. And caladium is a true star among the variegated inhabitants of interiors. Not everyone can decide to own a caladium. This plant is demanding, and first of all, it requires care. But still, rumors about the extraordinary capriciousness of caladiums are never justified. Attention and care can avoid any difficulties when growing caladiums. And the plant can almost always forgive small mistakes.
We have prepared a hearty, incredibly appetizing and simply easy-to-prepare dish for you today. This sauce is one hundred percent universal, as it goes with every side dish: vegetables, pasta, or anything. Chicken and mushroom gravy will save you in moments when you don’t have time or don’t want to think too much about what to cook. Take your favorite side dish (you can do this in advance so everything is hot), add some gravy and dinner is ready! A real lifesaver.
