primula

Although there are now primulas of every shape, size and spectrum of colour, the wild primrose itself and the older hybrids have the most charm.

Earlier in the year I had Saxifraga and Primula in flower and now several weeks on the Dianthus and Viola are coming into their own.

These exotic mountains spawn giant, 10-foot lilies, exquisite primulas and jewel- like gentians.

Arrange pots of polyanthus with frost-sensitive varieties of Primula obconica and Primula malacoides, to brighten up windowsills indoors.

Primula allionii may react badly to soggy conditions during the winter so they need to be kept under glass, or have a roof made over it, using a sheet of glass.

Scotland's cool, moist air suits primulas down to the ground.

It has been used to parent a truly astonishing range of polyanthus and primulas whose production has become a multi-million pound industry.

Remember you can become allergic to anything at any time, even if you've been cultivating primulas for years.

This illustrated guide for general readers extolls the benefits and beauty of primulas and gives information on growing and propagating them.

It's probably because Primula sinensis, or the Chinese primrose, is one of the primulas which used to cause an allergic reaction on the skin.

Most primulas really look best in a naturalistic setting but they can be used formally too.

And candelabra primulas are also bursting with colour in early summer, in a vast range of colours.

At this time of year, primulas and winter pansies will look great.

Whilst I was putting things in order, my mother and my young daughter were both in the garden, re-potting and filling old baskets and pots with lovely colourful primulas to be placed around the yard at a later date.

Primulas grow in any reasonable garden soil with plenty of added organic matter and like partial shade.