HARDY FLOWERS. 



131 



Primroses. — The Primroses of the garden are flowers 

 ol many color rs, all derived from the wild Primrose 

 (Primula vulgaris) of wayside banks and copses. By 

 growing a set of seedlings interesting variations occur, 

 and it is wise to reject every kind ol poor colour, 

 reserving only those clear, decided hues which are 

 effective in the bed and holder. There are single and 

 double varieties, with hues of yellow, lose, violet, pink, 

 and pure while, even blue, or at least a co'our approaching 

 the true blue of the Gentian. The blue Primroses, w hich 

 are more of a violet-purple shade, are charming in cool 

 spots, by the margin ol some shady brook, or againsl 

 mossy stones, which throw into relief the distinctive 

 colouring. This blue race was raised by Mr. G. F. 

 Wilson of Weybridge, and some of the forms have been 

 named, Oakwood Blue perhaps the most beautiful of all, 

 the flowers very rich in colour, with reddish centre ; but 

 reject in the seedlings all dingy purples or tho-e of 

 magenta shades. Primroses, both single and double, 

 appreciate shad., and may be grown freely by woodland 

 walks, or used as edgings in the border; indeed, there 

 are a hundred ways of planting these sweet spring 

 flowers. Seed may be sown out of doors in early 

 summer, and named varieties propagated by dividing the 

 roots after flowering. 

 The time to plant 

 is in autumn, when 

 the summer bedders 

 are over, for a spring 

 display ; it neces- 

 sary to remove the 

 Primroses for the 

 summer flowers, 

 transfer them in May 

 to a reserve place, 

 such as the kitchen 

 garden, where they 

 will be sheltered 

 partly from the hot 

 suns. Part them, 

 then, not into very 

 small pieces, unless 

 of course one desires 

 to obtain as much 

 as possible of a par- 

 ticular kind. Many 

 of the double varie- 

 ties are verv beauti- 

 ful, and aie always 

 most satisfactory in 

 a deep, well-drained 

 moist soil in partial 

 shade. Very effec- 

 tive are brave masses 

 of white,' lilac, and 

 < 1 import, such as in 

 the old Pompadour, lavender and yellow. The bunch- 

 fl.iwered Primroses are Primroses with the flowers 

 bunched together on a stem, and remind one of the 

 Polyanthus, and when the colouis are pure the effect of 

 groups of them is very line, orange, yellow, and shades 

 of these colours predominating. The double Primroses 

 are unfortunately not a success everywhere, because 

 their requirements are somewhat peculiar. A cool moist 

 climate is necessary, and a well-drained soil. The 

 double crimson is especially difficult to manage, and 

 must be cultivated with the utmost care to ensure a free 

 display of its rich crimson flowers, each like a rosette. 



The Oxlip is a natural hybrid, that is a cross that has 

 occurred naturally 1 etween the species, and in this case 

 the Cowslip and the Primrose are the parents. The 

 Bardfield Oxlip is Primula elatior, and a beautiful garden 

 flower, whilst the common Cowslip is P. veris. 

 Primulas. — To the beautiful Primula family belongs a 

 host ol our most treasured garden flowers, such as the 

 Auricula, Primrose, Polyanthus, and others, those men- 

 tioned especially being described under their popular 

 names. Put apart from these, there are many charming 



species which should either he established upon the 

 rock garden or in the bonier. 

 P. amoena is closely allied to the common Primrose, anil 

 is known by iis lilac-coloured llowcis, which almost 

 smother the strong leafy tufts. It makes an effective 

 plant lor edgings. 

 P. Capitata. — This is a very beautiful Primu'a, with 

 rich purple fragrant flowers crowded into clusters, and 

 must be frequently raised from seed, as old tulls disap- 

 pear after two or three years. It enjoys a moist peaty 

 spot screened from the hot midday sun, and if water is 

 necessary in summer, dryness is quite as important during 

 the winter. Early summer is the season for (lowering. 

 P. COrtUSOideS Sieboldi is a very charming species, and 

 has given rUe to many varieties, which are more fre- 

 quently seen in pots in ihe greenhouse than in the open 

 garden. This Primrose is however, quite hardy, but it 

 is wise to select the stronger colours for the open air, as 

 the more delicate tints are apt to get sullied. Plant 

 them in a well-drained soil, raised as much as pos- 

 sib'e, i.e., a place from which rains drain away. It is a 

 simple matter to grow the plants in pots, using bin. pots 

 for the purpose, and letting the soil be loam mixed with 

 a little thoroughly well-decayed manure. Do not over- 

 crowd the pots, and 

 place them in a cold 

 frame, but damp 

 must be kept away. 

 Judicious watering is 

 essential, and during 

 winter very little is 

 necessary. A variety 

 of kinds may be 

 grown in a cold 

 frame, and the plants 

 last many weeks in 

 bloom. The rose- 

 coloured species, P. 

 cortusoides, is verv 

 charming upon the 

 rock garden. 



P. dentieuia/ca is a 



delightful Primrose 

 from the Himalayas, 

 and not at all diffi- 

 cult to grow or pro- 

 pagate, as divided 

 portions quickly 

 become established. 

 The flowers, which 

 are in clusters poised 

 on stems about 2ft. 

 in height, are 

 delicately coloured, 

 usually of lilac- 

 purple shades; 

 but there is a considerable variety of tints amongst 

 them. Of named varieties very distinct are the deep 

 purple Cashmeriana and Henryi ; but there are others too. 

 Always plant this species in groups in sheltered spots, 

 and in moist places it is happy. Alba is a beautiful 

 variety ; loamy soil. 

 P. farinosa (the Bird's-eye Primrose). — A dainty British 

 Primula, with rosettes of pretty silvery leaves, and quite 

 small flowers in a cluster ; soft lilac, with yellow centre. 

 Plant it in loose soil, thoroughly well drained, in the 

 rock garden, or some moist cievice where the soil is 

 deep and light. It is not very vigorous in growth, 

 neither is the purple-flowered native, P. scotica. Do 

 not plant veiy deep, and if there is a bog garden the 

 Bird's-eye Primrose may be established there. 

 P. japoniea (/he Japanese Primrose) is the boldest, per- 

 haps, of all Primroses, bold not only in leafage but in 

 flower spikes too. It was at one time considered tender, 

 but that has proved to be erroneous, as it will even 

 succeed where other Primroses fail. A group of this 

 on the outskirts of woodland and shrubbery, or even in 

 a clearing of trees, is full of quiet charm. The spikes o! 



