Re: Primroses
Hello Jim,
Boy! do you have a sense of timing. Fine Gardening just came out with an
article on Primrose. Have not see it as yet, but knew it was coming. They called
me about using Munchkin Nursery as a resource for primula... along with others, of
course. Last month I wrote a feature article on primula for the Mid-west gardener.
It is to appear in Kentucky Gardening magazine probably this month or next.
I have found that the species, and some of the hybrids, coming from two
sections work well here in my garden. Those are the sections veranlis and
cortusoides. Within those two sections there are many species to play with.You
will find a full page of description in my catalog drawing upon my experience and
from these two sections. Also I am playing with more species from other sections,
but do not have enough experience and time with them as yet to make a lot of
comment.
Under the environment of neglect you mention I would begin with P. sieboldii.
When it gets too hot and dry this one goes dormant until next spring.
You may also want to join the American Primrose Society and/or get on the
group discussion list for primula. Just go to their web site and follow
instructions. There are now three chapters in the US.
Gene Bush Southern Indiana Zone 6a Munchkin Nursery
around the woods - around the world
genebush@otherside.com http://www.munchkinnursery.com
----- Original Message -----
From: J.E. Shields <jshields@INDY.NET>
Subject: [SG] Primroses
> Good morning, all!
>
> Although this list is labeled "PRIMROSE" I can't recall seeing Primula
> discussed. Can anyone suggest good species or hybrids of Primula to grow
> in semi-neglect in my new shade garden under some medium-large trees? Here
> in the center of Indiana, a spell of summer drought is becoming the normal
> state of affairs. We have had about 3 weeks of snow cover so far this
> winter, probably as much as we ever get.
>
> I have seed from several suppliers of alpines seeds. These are all in
> stratification for now; I think I must have ordered them almost blind. In
> pots in the fridge or buried under snow: Primula sieboldii, PP. parryi,
> xanthobasis, and hirsuta. One species was a gift, the rest ordered.
> Comments would be welcome!
>
> This is USDA zone 5, rainfall averages ca 35 - 40 inches but less in the
> past few years, seasonal summer dry periods are frequent.
>
> Jim
> *************************************************
> Jim Shields USDA Zone 5 Shields Gardens, Ltd.
> P.O. Box 92 WWW: http://a1.com/daylily/
> Westfield, Indiana 46074, USA Tel. +1-317-896-3925
