Annuals & Biennials

Primula
Primula
polyanthus

- Height 4-18 in (10-45 cm)
- Planting distance 1 ft (30 cm)
- Flowers early to late spring
- Moist, fertile soil
- Partially shaded site
- Short-lived perennial treated as biennial or hardy annual

Primula is an enormous genus of hardy and half-hardy perennials, but a few are grown as annuals or biennials. One type, the polyanthuses (cultivars of Primula x polyantha), are usually grown as biennials or annuals for bedding displays. The polyanthus has been popular since its introduction in the 19th century. It is developed in part from the common primrose (Primula vulgaris) and has retained the characteristic bright green corrugated leaves of that species. But only with the development of the large-flowered hybrids has the polyanthus become widely used in bedding. These large-flowered hybrids produce blooms in compact long-lasting clusters on tall, sturdy stems 9-12 in (23-30 cm) high. The flowers appear from early to late spring in a wide spectrum of colors.

Popular species and cultivars
Primula malacoides (fairy primrose) is grown as an annual. It is 4-18 in (10-45 cm) tall and bears red, pink, or white blossoms in tiers along its slender upright stems. The dwarf 'First Love' offers fragrant flowers on sturdy 6-18 in (15-20 cm) stems and is an outstanding choice for container plantings. Primula x polyantha hybrids are available in several seed selections, usually mixed strains.
'Crescendo Hybrids' have giant blooms in primrose-yellow, red, pink, blue, and white, and reach 1 ft (30 cm) high.
'Pacific Giant Hybrids' have enormous blooms coming in a wide range of colors. The plants reach 1 ft (30 cm) high. Primula vulgaris hybrids are smaller than polyanthus primroses, up to 6 in (15 cm) tall, with clusters of often stemless flowers. They include the following.
'Gold Laced Hybrids' are early flowering and long blooming, bearing flowers in various shades of red, purple, and violet, each with a golden eye at the center and white picotee edging.
'Rosebud Hybrids' bear clusters of rose-shaped frilled flowers in pink, red, apricot, and orange edged with gold and silver.
'Wanda Hybrids' bloom prolifically and are exceptionally cold resistant. Available as mixtures or in single colors, they have strong, bright colors and often display bronze foliage.

Annuals
and
Biennials