Elatior Hybrid Primroses
Primula × polyantha
- Native to:
- Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, NW. Balkan Pen., Sweden, Switzerland
Ian Kirk (www.flickr.com) from Broadstone, Dorset, UK
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Primulaceae
- Genus:
- Primula
- Species:
- Primula × polyantha
- USDA Symbol:
- PRPO2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- white, yellow, pink, purple, red, orange, cream
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- good drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers cool, shaded environments
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 21–42 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–35 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination; surface sow and do not cover. Cool temperatures (50-65°F) improve germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Expose to fluctuation outdoor winter temperatures including freezing for 3 months. Gradually increase light and temperature in the spring. * most interbreed and seed may not be what is labelled, germinate best in cool, moist conditions; for sturdy seedlings grow outdoors in spring, prick out