PRIMROSES 
In this country all the members of the genus Primula are called 
Primroses, although elsewhere only P. acaulis and its hybrids are so 
called. By whatever name you call them, they are marvelous garden 
plants. There are several hundred species of Primulas, and probably 
thousands of named hybrids, differing greatly in size and shape; all 
are incomparably beautiful and interesting. 
Many times on the following pages you will see mention of humus, 
rich soil, shade, and moisture—the four things that most Primroses 
prefer. However, all Primulas that we have ever grown do nicely in 
full sun, and—nasty rumors to the contrary—we do get a great deal 
of sun here on Puget Sound. Most Primulas are not fussy plants, 
growing well wherever you happen to stick them. If trouble comes, 
just remember that most of them are happiest when given the four 
things mentioned above. 
Inasmuch as the Primulas constitute a very large family, for pur- 
poses of identification they are separated into several groups. One 
of the most important is the Candelabra group. These plants all have 
several rings of flowers, one above the other, on the same stem. They 
are magnificent plants for the border or for naturalizing, most of them 
spreading themselves rapidly if planted along a stream or in a moist 
meadow. Another, and the hardiest group of Primulas is the Auricula 
tribe. Coming from high in the European Alps, these are true alpines, 
so popular as rock garden plants. Still another important group is the 
section Sikkimensis. These plants all have clusters of perfumed bells on 
long stems, and are valued for cutting as well as for planting in the 
border, interplanting with shrubs, or for naturalizing. Of course, there 
are many other groups of Primulas, the section Cortusoides, or ''Wood- 
land" Primroses, the Farinosae, etc.—too many to list here. All are 
lovely and extremely excellent garden plants. 
PRIMULAS 
ACAULIS HYBRIDS SEED ONLY 1953 
These plants are the lineal descendants of the yellow Primroses of the 
European fields, hybridized over the past several centuries to a greater 
size and a complete range of colors. Like the Polyanthus, but much 
more floriferous, and with only one flower to the stem, these lovelies 
are used for edging, naturalizing, or for placing underneath shrubs 
for color. | 
