If you stroll through the supermarket in spring, you won't be able to avoid passing pots of primroses. They are offered in all possible colors. But is it worth buying or is the life of a primrose only short-lived?
Are primroses perennial plants?
Most primrose species are perennial and hardy, so with proper care, such as a cool location, high humidity, regular watering and fertilizing, as well as occasional dividing the plant and removing wilted leaves, they can last for many years.
Most primrose species are perennial
Primroses are found from the icy Arctic to the warm, humid tropics. Most of the species are perennial herbaceous shrubs and shrubs. Very few primroses are only annual. The specimens that you can buy in this country are usually designed to last several years.
Primroses tolerate frost
Primroses can be planted outside without worry. The majority of them are hardy and can tolerate frost. However, if you hope for a rich flower bloom between January and April, you should protect the flower buds of the primroses when the temperature reaches a certain point below zero
It is better to protect from -5 °C
Primroses in the bed can be covered with a mulch of leaves and brushwood as a precaution. As soon as temperatures fall below -5 °C, there is a high risk that the flower buds will freeze without protection. Primroses in pots on the balcony should also receive protection in the form of fleece (€34.00 on Amazon) and/or newspaper to ensure they survive for several years in winter.
The bigger problem: heat and drought
Primroses take heat and drought much worse in summer. It is not uncommon for planted primroses to dry out in summer or burn due to the strong sun. If you want to plant out your primroses, place them in a partially shaded to shady and cool location.
With the right care, primroses can last for many years
Primroses don't just need love to grow for many years. Also remember:
- a cool location
- ensure high humidity in the apartment
- fertilize every 2 weeks from February to April
- water regularly and keep the soil moist
- share every 3 to 4 years
- remove wilted leaves
Tips & Tricks
Unless you want seeds to form, forming seeds is just an unnecessary, energy-consuming procedure for a primrose. Therefore, it is better to cut off the wilted flowers of the primroses. Positive side effect: The flowering period lasts longer because new flowers are formed.
