156 ROGK GARDENING FOR AMATEURS 



point of view, there is a section that is of great use for 

 growing in borders or in beds. Of this, the best known 

 are the Cowslip, Oxlip, and Primrose, from which is 

 derived the popular Polyanthus. 



Although they are practically perennials in nature, 

 many of the Primulas, especially the moisture-loving 

 sorts, are short-lived in this country, and die after flowering. 

 It is thus necessary to make annual sowings of these 

 particular kinds in order to keep up a stock. The best 

 time for sowing Primula seeds is as soon as they are ripe, 

 for if kept during the winter and allowed to become dry, 

 those of many kinds do not germinate for a year or two, 

 and often not at all. In the case of Primula japonica, 

 self-sown seedlings come up in numbers around old 

 plants that have been allowed to shed their seeds ; but 

 if gathered and kept for a season the seeds take a long 

 time to germinate. On the other hand, some of the 

 Primula seeds retain their vitality for a considerable 

 time, and may be successfully raised after being kept for 

 a year or two. 



In the following lists of Primulas arranged under the 

 different sections of Rock, Bog, and Border sorts, the best 

 for various purposes are dealt with. They are selected 

 for their beauty, easy cultivation, and in some instances 

 for their unique character. 



ROCK-LOVING PRIMULAS 



The typical Primula of this group is P. Auricula, 

 which is one of the parents of the different types of garden 



