Primula elatior
oxslip
A really pretty addition to the late spring and early summer garden, this variable, semi-evergreen perennial looks wonderful when planted in drifts or swathes. The foliage forms a basal rosette from which softly hairy stems arise bearing clusters of bell shaped, soft yellow flowers.
Primula elatior is ideal for woodland-style gardens or other naturalised settings.
Primula elatior is ideal for woodland-style gardens or other naturalised settings.
How to care for Primula elatior:
Plant out in a partially shaded and sheltered position, adding plenty of leaf mould and compost to the planting hole and backfill. Improve drainage in heavier soils by incorporating grit or sand, to avoid the plant sitting in waterlogged conditions, especially in winter.
Water well until established, and keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season, as this primula prefers damp, humus-rich conditions. Apply a mulch of leaf mould or compost in autumn to help retain moisture and protect the crown in winter.
Divide large clumps in late spring or early summer after the plant has flowered, preferably during a wet spell.
Water well until established, and keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season, as this primula prefers damp, humus-rich conditions. Apply a mulch of leaf mould or compost in autumn to help retain moisture and protect the crown in winter.
Divide large clumps in late spring or early summer after the plant has flowered, preferably during a wet spell.
Sowing instructions:
In autumn, surface sow in trays filled with a good seed mix, before just covering with a sprinkling of sharp sand or grit. Place in a cold frame over winter and the warmer temperatures in spring, should trigger germination.
Alternatively, sow indoors in spring, maintaining temperatures around 15-20C (59-68F). If germination has not started after 6 weeks, cold stratify by placing the seed tray in the fridge for 4-6 weeks before returning to warmer conditions. When large enough to handle, grow on in individual pots and gradually acclimatise before planting out.
Alternatively, sow indoors in spring, maintaining temperatures around 15-20C (59-68F). If germination has not started after 6 weeks, cold stratify by placing the seed tray in the fridge for 4-6 weeks before returning to warmer conditions. When large enough to handle, grow on in individual pots and gradually acclimatise before planting out.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.45m
Eventual spread:
0.45m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial is semi-evergreen so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
