PRIMULA, SPRING FLOWERS FOR WOMEN’S DAY
Primula, primroses, keys, bells are the names of one plant, which is a symbol of spring. This tiny plant can withstand even twenty-degree frosts, occurring naturally in Europe and Asia, in temperate climates. Over five hundred species of Primuli make them provide us with a wealth of colors and patterns.
Primus means early
The generic name of the species comes from Latin and means early flowering. The plant, whose characteristic feature is a 10-15 cm inflorescence, surrounded by smaller leaves, occurs in spring and summer varieties. Early flowering primrose, lofty, stemless, Georgian, mossy or gypsophila. A bit later, Japanese primula, dusty and flowery.
Symbol of spring and a sign of love
According to folk tales, the primrose appeared when birds came from cold countries. In fact, it is one of the flowers that blooms right after a snowdrop. It probably follows that the primula in pots appear on sale in February, so they are more and more often given flowers during March 8, Women’s Day. Maybe it also has to do with another legend, which from the name of the key-keeper derives the theory that this flower opens a woman’s heart.
Planting
The one who receives the prime minister in February may transplant it to the ground in March. The plant does not have high soil requirements, even heavy and clay soils will be convenient because they retain a lot of moisture. It likes slightly shaded places, so it can be planted under trees, shrubs or near ponds. Stemless, Georgian and serrated primroses feel good on rockeries. Primulae can also create an interesting Easter decoration, inviting spring home, if we arrange them in terms of composition in pots or boxes placed on terraces and balconies.
Care
It is very important to maintain proper humidity. They need to be watered systematically and abundantly, but not very often. Excess water, puddles can cause rotting. As the plant is small, it does not require much fertilization. It gets most of its minerals from the soil, as long as it is not excessively sterile. In this case, it may be necessary to supplement with mineral fertilizer. Just because primula flowers bloom early, it doesn’t mean they are completely hardy. Young plants in particular have a tendency to freeze if the ground is not covered with snow. It is worth covering them with agrotextile, leaves or peat to prevent this.
Diseases and pests
If a grayish coating appears on the primula, it means that fungi have attacked them. You need to remove the diseased leaves as soon as possible and spray the plant with a fungicide. The result of excessive drying may be the appearance of a spider mite. Aphids can also become a nightmare, which should be eliminated as soon as possible with the use of appropriate preparations.
Multiplication
The most popular, because the easiest way to reproduce primula, is to divide the clumps in May or June. The second method, which is not applicable to all varieties, is sowing the seeds in two stages. The seeds must be sown in a container in early May and left at room temperature until the first growth. After a few weeks, in the height of summer, the seedlings can be transferred to the ground.
