When I first started this blog, having scrapped any that had gone before, it was mainly as a brain exercise, plus, not a little, nostalgia. I came across the Six on Saturday meme run by Jim Stephens at Garden Ruminations and, through that, organically increased my presence on the web. This has prompted me to re-publish some of my old material some of which is updated. These posts are purely about the plants that I have grown and photographed, mainly in my previous garden, unless otherwise stated.
Tulips Part 1
This is going to be more of a “pretty picture” post which is, after all, what tulips are about. There are two main groups, first the cultivated tulips which, although the original species hailed from the Near East, were developed by the Dutch plant breeders several hundred years ago. This has continued until the present day. Holland is still the tulip capital of the world, the tulip fields visited by thousands every year. Vast resources were put into developing new colours and combinations. This resulted in inflated prices which caused tulips to become almost a form of currency leading to Tulip Mania and the first ever investment crash. The second group in general cultivation are the specie tulips or botanicals which are generally the dwarf, early flowering types seen in most rock gardens and containers. Please remember the pictures, as always, are of plants I have grown and this is by no means a definitive list.
Triumph Tulips
Tulipa ‘Carnaval de Rio‘Tulipa ‘Don Quichotte’Tulipa ‘Dynasty‘
Tulipa ‘Jan Reus‘
Tulipa ‘Jan Reus‘
Tulipa ‘Jimmy‘Tulipa ‘Leen van der Mark’Tulipa ‘Princess Irene‘Tulipa ‘Ronaldo‘Tulipa ‘Washington’
Flowering mid to late spring Triumph tulips are the largest group, and the goblet-shaped flowers are the ones everybody is familiar with. Some gardeners may not like the use of plastic containers from an aesthetical point of view. I had many plants in a variety of containers, so the factors of cost and weight came into consideration. The other factor to take into account is that I am more interested in the plants themselves hence the garden had a semi-wild look at best.
The “Rembrandt” tulips such as T.Washington and Princess Irene are created by careful selective breeding. At the time of Tulip Mania these colourations were caused by viruses, and there were many crazy methods employed to try and induce these effects. The export of virus infected stock was banned many years ago by the Dutch.
We have had three days of quite persistent rain and everything in the garden has shot up. It seems to be getting drier at the moment plus the sun is back, albeit intermittently. There seems to be quite a bit of blue in the garden, so this week I’m having the blues.
Smaller in stature than ‘Crarae’, Meconopsis ‘Crewdson Hybrid’ has been around for some time. It is believed to be an opportunist cross between M. betonicifolia and M. grandis. The interesting thing about many meconopsis is that although the original cross was made between two fertile species and the resulting plants often produce viable seed, they eventually become sterile in later generations. This means that my plants were produced vegetatively.
Geranium ‘Orion’
Geranium ‘Orion’ is in fact not an interspecies cross but a seedling of “Brookside”. One of what I like to call the “Big Blues”
I don’t think you can beat Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’ for strong growth and intense blue flowers. I find it can be rather a rampant grower and be a bit floppy, but I still wouldn’t be without it. As I am sure many of you have experienced geraniums, are notoriously promiscuous. This is an interspecies cross: G. himalayense x G. pratense. Another “Big Blue”!
Geranium ‘Brookside’
Geranium ‘Brookside’ is officially violet/blue so I am including it. Another “Big Blue” this is an interspecies cross: G. clarkei ‘Kashmir Purple’ x G. pratense.
Campanula portenschlagiana ‘Mrs Resholt’
I bought this little bellflower, sometimes known as ‘Resholt’s Variety’, as an edging plant. I will probably move it as it doesn’t seem suited to where it is. The soil is very poor, and I managed to run over it with the recycling bin a few weeks ago! Unfortunately it isn’t in full flower yet but I am running out of blues!
Meconopsis ‘Crarae’
No excuses! I couldn’t resist one last picture.
This meme is hosted by Jim Stevens who is to be found with all the details and links to plenty of other blogs to enjoy at Garden Ruminations.
The sunshine and dry weather is meant to be coming to an end tomorrow (Saturday) with some welcome rain. Who would have thought that I would have “welcome” and “rain” in the same sentence. We are normally wishing it would stop! There is a possibility of warm weather returning after a week of unsettled weather according to the forecast. I apologise for a complete focus on meconopsis and primulas this week, but my two favourite genera are now in flower.
Meconopsis ‘Crarae’
This is the first time I have actually bought meconopsis plants as I have previously always raised them from seed. Meconopsis ‘Crarae’ comes from Crarae Gardens Argyll, Scotland. It is an infertile hybrid and therefore only propagated vegetatively. I had seen it in Scotland several years ago and have always wanted one, so that, coupled with my impatience after loosing a batch of seedlings two years ago, prompted the purchase last year.
Primula chungensis
Primula chungensis is more delicate looking than the more robust japonica candelabras, but like them, it is a water lover and thrives in a damp spot.
Meconopsis and Primula japonica
Meconopsis ‘Crewdson Hybrid’ coming into flower next to a clump of Primula japonica caught in the early morning sun. If anyone is interested please view my post on primulas at: https://ricksplantworld.blog/2025/03/05/primulas-updated/
Meconopsis ‘Crarae’
More Meconopsis ‘Crarae’ caught in the early morning sun, displaying the fine hairs on the leaves and stem.
Meconopsis betonicifoliaMeconopsis ‘Lingholm’
Two plants from seed sown last year. These will be planted out later in the year if I can find room! Note the much hairier leaves on ‘Lingholm’. If you are interested in the meconopsis please take a look at my post at: https://ricksplantworld.blog/2022/02/09/meconopsis/
Meconopsis ‘Crarae’
Finally a photo’ of Meconopsis ‘Crarae’ without the sun burning out the colour, showing its true self.
This meme is hosted by Jim Stevens who is to be found with all the details and links to plenty of other blogs to enjoy at Garden Ruminations.
The unseasonal weather continues although it is beginning to cool down now with the possibility of frost on Monday night. Still no rain so regular watering of containers continues. We have had a very bad moorland fire the smoke from which was visible from where I live. It almost engulfed the site of the famous Cat and Fiddle, which is now a distillery, and we had the unusual sight of a helicopter water bombing the fire. The garden is coming on very quickly and, although there is not a great deal of flower to be seen, I have managed to scrape together a six.
Geranium himalayense
The first of my geraniums to flower. I would like to apologise in advance as I think I will be relying on them rather a lot this year to fill the Six on Saturday slot.
Galium odoratum
British native, Sweet woodruff, has proved useful for ground cover, along with Euphorbia characias, in a rather difficult corner. I’ll have to be careful as they are both invasive, but I think the hostile conditions should limit their ambition. I always think woodruff looks very tatty going into winter, it’s a pity it isn’t evergreen.
Chrysogonum virginianum
My first time with this rather neat, buttercup-like, little creeping plant from the eastern United States. It appears to be, at the very least, semi-evergreen, as it has kept the majority of its leaves over the, albeit mild, winter.
Spanish or English? Is it a hybrid? This clump of bluebells has a very faint scent and the stems are “nodding” rather than upright, typical of the English bluebell. The flowers are light coloured more like the Spanish species. I also have a clump of more robust plants which are not yet in flower, as soon as they are I am going to try a direct comparison. Until then I rather think these are Spanish, Hyacinthoides hispanica or are they a hybrid…………..?
Clematis montana ‘Morning Yellow’Clematis montana
I think Clematis montana ‘Morning Yellow’ is a rather neat cultivar, it is definitely more cream than yellow, fading to white as they age. It doesn’t appear to be as rampant and flower as prolifically as montana, but nevertheless gives a good show. Both have that nice delicate vanilla scent.
Aquilegia vulgaris
A rather nice self-seeded common aquilegia that has appeared in a crack in the paving. I had too many aquilegias appearing in the garden so I ripped out a fair number as they came into flower, leaving only those of interest. This one must have escaped my notice!
This meme is hosted by Jim Stevens who is to be found with all the details and links to plenty of other blogs to enjoy at Garden Ruminations.
We have had very little rain here in High Peak having avoided the downpours which have affected other areas and I am now having to water all my containers and pots on a regular basis. The forecast is currently showing an overcast day today (Saturday) but then temperatures are set to go into the twenties throughout next week. I am still very wary of a late frost even though it seems unlikely at the moment. I won’t be happy until we get to the last week of May.
Acer
I love this time of the year, the acers are now fully out and everywhere you look trees are bursting into life and the landscape is greening up. A gardener’s week is never done it seems, with the stronger sun and possibility of a late frost the acers stand to be scorched by either one whilst the leaves are so tender.
Tulipa clusiana var chrysantha
Specie tulip, Tulipa clusiana var chrysantha on a sunny day and not.
I no longer have cold glass so have to resort to outdoor sowing, of mainly hardy perennials, outside in a sheltered spot. These were sown in early February, as I would do normally under cover, using fresh society seed. Despite this two lots have been pricked out three weeks ago and are almost ready to go into the open ground. I get great pleasure in raising plants from seed and to be honest I don’t know where I am going to put them all. I do sow a good number of seeds, even though I may only keep a few plants of each, because in some cases poor germination is a factor. I am a great believer in raising them hard to get good strong plants.
Euphorbia characias
I am making a bit of an assumption here that this is actually characias but it is filling up an awkward damp corner very nicely so I won’t complain.
Narcissus ‘February Gold’
These were planted very late and consequently we have February Gold flowering at the end of April. I find I can get away with planting tulips late, but narcissi, not so much.
Clematis montana
How did that get there? This montana has appeared around the central heating exhaust after travelling under the tiles from the gutter level. It will be short-lived as I will be taking it down to almost ground level after it flowers in order to paint the woodwork behind it.
This meme is hosted by Jim Stevens who is to be found with all the details and links to plenty of other blogs to enjoy at Garden Ruminations.
The warmer weather continues but, much as I am enjoying it, I feel it has come far too early and would be welcome in about a month’s time as I have a feeling of trepidation about what is round the corner. Many plants are thrusting up new tender growth and I have already noticed some damage caused by the light overnight frosts and possibly the cold winds. We can’t put out bedding with confidence until the end of the third week in May. The local NT gardens don’t start planting until the second week of June, mind you, they have thousands of plants at risk. On the 2nd June 1975 snow stopped play in Buxton, only a few miles from me, between Derbyshire and Lancashire cricket clubs. Play was resumed the following day in beautiful sunshine and the following year, 1976, was one of the hottest summers on record. Buxton Cricket Club are celebrating the 25th anniversary with a special event this year. We gardeners are very much at the mercy of the weather, but spare a thought for the poor farmers and growers who have to make a living.
Spirea japonica ‘Golden Princess’
This is one of my favourite small shrubs, I look forward every year to the emergence of the colourful foliage. I had one in my last garden which was quite a bit larger, it could be that the drier, less fertile soil this one is in is limiting its growth, but I think it’s a little gem nevertheless.
Narcissus ‘Pink Wonder’
One of the remaining two flowers this year from a clump I planted about four years ago. I never seem to get longevity from my bulbs, tulips I can understand, as they need a good baking during the summer, but daffodils I tend to plant and forget about so probably my fault.
Meconopsis ‘Crarae’
I used to grow numerous meconopsis as they are one of my favourite genera. This year is the first in my new garden that I am hoping to get some decent flowers. Crarae can only be raised vegetatively and I have never grown it before so fingers crossed! Crarae was raised at Crarae Gardens, Argyle, Scotland. If you are interested in meconopsis you might like to visit my page.
Berberis thunbergii ‘Diabolicum’
This berberis is another welcome splash of spring colour, it loses its reddish tinge as the year progresses. Like most berberis, it thrives here taking anything that the weather can throw at it.
Arabis alpina ssp. caucasica ‘Snowcap’
I grew the common or garden Rock Cress, or at least an improved form of it, from seed. It makes a useful early splash of white every year.
Pulmonaria ‘Blue Ensign’
Currently growing in a pot until I find somewhere to put it, I bought this pulmonaria as a bare-root plant which is why it is flowering slightly later than normal. I have taken a real liking to pulmonarias over the last few years, as there are so many cultivars now, and can’t wait to increase my collection.
This meme is hosted by Jim Stevens who is to be found with all the details and links to plenty of other blogs to enjoy at Garden Ruminations.
Primula, along with meconopsis, is my favourite genus, the slightly acidic damp soil and the areas of dappled shade present in my previous garden provided an ideal micro-climate for both. These conditions made it possible to grow the mainly Asiatic types along with some European and American species, it did mean however, that the lime loving, mainly European species, were excluded.
The family Primulacae includes cyclamen, androsace and soldanella to name a few. The genus Primula is very large and diverse and because of this was split into 20 sections at the beginning of the twentieth century since when it has been updated into seven sections which are probably more botanically correct, however I will stick to the old classifications as I find them easier to comprehend. I have only included sections where I have grown plants and can provide pictures unless stated.
Section 1 Cortusoides
Primula heucherifoliaPrimula kisoana
These attractive plants have soft velvety leaves which die back to rhizomes in winter, in drier conditions they will tend to go dormant very quickly after flowering which impedes growth. To ensure strong healthy plants a damp spot preferably in light shade is much preferred.
Section 5 Obconica
Once a very popular house plant found everywhere, Primula obconica has now waned in popularity and is rarely seen. Some people had a skin reaction when the plant was handled but I very much doubt this was the only reason for its demise, more probably the advent of orchids being everyone’s favourite was to blame. The picture is not mine and is of a T&M selection.
Section 9 Vernales
The Vernales Section is a large European group containing primroses and polyanthus both of which are very familiar as bedding, in containers and even as house plants. I could only find a couple of pictures of primroses as, to be honest, I have never been a great fan as I have always felt that many primulas, particularly polyanthus, tend to be artificial looking and have consequently been neglected when taking ‘photos. They tend to prefer slightly acid moist soils and can generally be propagated by division or from seed. It is worth noting that most of the primulas that are pictured on this site have been raised from seed.
Section 12 Petiolares
Primula ‘Linnet’Primula tanneri ssps nepalensis
The Petiolaris Section contains around sixty species which are themselves split into several subspecies, however for the sake of sanity, I will not go down this avenue. The whole section is notoriously difficult to grow although there are quite a few species in cultivation. Primula gracilipes minor now named P.’Linnet’ is one of the easiest. Primula tanneri is another that I have grown in a poly tunnel and in the garden. They all like cool conditions in a moist gritty soil. Primula ‘Linnet’ is very close in appearance to P. petiolaris itself which is rarely seen. The plants shown were grown from seed which is the best way, although very careful division is an alternative.
The largest section of the genus, also the most diverse, ranging through Asia, Europe and the Americas including our very own Primula scotica. As the name suggests the prominent characteristic is that they all are covered in farina to varying degrees. Although requiring much the same conditions as all the other primulas that I have grown, I raise many of them under cover as they tend to be small in stature and are best established before planting out. All the primulas shown above are easily raised from seed.
Section 20 Denticulata
Primula denticulata is a plant with which nearly every gardener is familiar, commonly known as the ‘drumstick primula’ it has been an early spring flowering feature in many gardens for years. Easy to grow, you can even propagate it from its fleshy roots. The pictured specimen is not very strong having self-seeded itself into a gap with stone either side but it is the only picture I have unfortunately. There is also a rather nice white form, which I now have, with red and purple pink also being available.
Section 21 Capitatae
Primula capitata ‘Noverna Deep Blue’Primula capitata ‘Noverna Deep Blue’
Primula capitata is a neat little plant from the Himalayas, very definitely a peat lover it tends not to be long-lived.
Section 22 Muscarioides
Primula bellidifoliaPrimula cernuaPrimula deflexa
The best known plant in this section is Primula vialii which is even available as seed and plugs from some of the main online garden companies. The name of the section relates to the flower shape being that of muscari or grape hyacinth. For some reason I have never grown P.vialii, perhaps because it just doesn’t appeal to me. Basically, members of the section need the same treatment as most of the primulas I have described, its smaller relatives are probably safer in a peat bed or alpine house. The primulas in this group that I have grown were all raised and grown in a poly-tunnel as they were a bit too delicate for the main garden. Truth be told the only plant I managed to raise from seed of P. cernua perished before it flowered.
Section 23 Soldanelloides
Primula flaccida (Primula nutans)
Primula flaccida, formerly P.nutans, from Yunnan is the only success I have had with members of this section, three plants came from seed but only one survived to flowering and then died. Very difficult group to grow but contains some of the most beautiful plants which are often scented. The star turn is Primula reidii which is not only probably the most beautiful, but has a particularly strong scent as a bonus. Definitely subjects for careful cultivation in the alpine house.
Section 25 Nivales
Primula handelianaPrimula maximowiczii
Primula chionantha, is the best known of the Nivalids. They are Asiatics which generally are to be found growing on damp meadows and prefer the damper peaty conditions to be found in the north of England and Scotland. The two pictured above, which are both robust species with large strap-shaped leaves, were raised in the poly-tunnel and then planted outside where they were perfectly happy. I have grown P. chionantha but unfortunately I can’t find a picture.
Easy to grow section but needs peaty conditions and plenty of water to thrive. Many people will be more familiar with P.florindae, known as the Giant Cowslip, rather than the eponymous Primula sikkimensis, it comes in other colours ranging from red through orange. Generally easy from seed and division of vigorous clumps.
Hailing from the Himalayas these easy to grow plants with their tiered flowers are what started my interest in all plants from the alpine regions particularly the Asiatics, I was also lucky in that living in North West provided almost ideal conditions for my favourites. I first saw these in any quantity at Fletcher Moss Gardens, Didsbury but large plantings can be seen at Ness Gardens and Harlow Car Gardens. Although they will grow in any good peaty soil they need water to really thrive and make an excellent pond-side planting especially in numbers.
Section 30 Floribunda
Primula x Kewensis
Primula x Kewensis is a remarkable hybrid bred at Kew, as its name suggests, which comes true from seed. It was bred from P verticillata and P floribunda and is not fully hardy as I found out to my cost when I first raised it. If kept under glass it will flower in very early spring.
That completes my review of the genus Primula where I have included all the sections that I have successfully grown. When it comes to my failures with some of the more challenging plants, I can only say a poly-tunnel is really not adequate when compared with a dedicated alpine house however the pleasure and satisfaction I gained from actually raising some of these subjects from seed was very much worth the effort.
In many descriptions I have mentioned peat as being an essential component to the growth of these plants, many of which grow best in a peat bed. In a future post I hope to show the totally illogical approach the government is taking by banning the sale of peat for horticultural use.
Peat for horticultural use is extracted from 4,500 hectares of peatland which is 0.15% of the 3,000,000 hectares in the UK. Why are they banning the sale of peat?
The pictures above are taken in my garden and a variety of botanical gardens that I have visited. Most rhododendron species are native to eastern Asia and the Himalayan region, but also occur in North America, Europe and Australia. Azaleas make up two sub-genera the deciduous hybrids, the best known being the Exbury Hybrids (Knaphill Hybrids) raised in the UK, and the evergreen shrubs or”Japanese Azaleas” which are often also grown as pot plants when they are sometimes known as Florist’s Azaleas. Generally speaking they are ericaceous plants and prefer an acidic, rich well drained soil to flourish, they are definitely lime intolerant and do poorly in alkaline conditions. A sight I have never seen, but I would imagine to be spectacular, are the rhododendron forests on the lower slopes of the Himalayas.
I have shown the generic name as Azalea, although strictly speaking it should be Rhododendron, to separate the thinner leaved subgenera from the plants that are usually known as rhododendrons. Azalea luteum is an outstanding plant in that it is highly scented and, although I have grown it, the picture was taken at a small gardens in Scotland, even though a bank of it was some distance from the garden entrance the scent was overwhelming as one arrived.
Indumentum is the quite attractive soft coating of brown hairs which is found on the underside of the leaf and sometimes on the young stems of some species of rhododendron, it can be far more pronounced on some rather than others and is completely natural…………
….……..however, a drastic solution:
Rhododendron ponticum
At the side of the drive stood two large specimens of Rhododendron ponticum, probably the original specie and not the invasive hybrid that has resulted from the plant from the Iberian peninsula crossing with more cold tolerant species producing a hybrid capable of devastating a landscape and negatively altering the biodiversity.
Cushion scale is a sap sucking insect which unfortunately secretes honeydew, a sticky substance on which sooty mould thrives. The condition can affect not only rhododendrons but in my case camellias, skimmias and holly. Faced with the two large shrubs covered in mould, after spraying with a soap solution several times to no avail I decided to give them the chop. Drastic, maybe, but it is ponticum and has amazing powers of recovery, the following year there was plenty of new green shoots and in the second year it flowered. To remove the root mass was a job I didn’t want to contemplate so all in all a satisfactory conclusion.
There is always confusion when talking about geraniums, the colourful plants that we use as summer bedding are actually pelargoniums the plants that we are looking at here are from the genus Geranium and are generally hardy perennials ranging from the small “alpine” types to probably the most useful border and ground-cover plants available. There are many species, hybrids and cultivars available but the flowers generally range through shades of blue, purple, pink and red with some white forms thrown in.
The thing to remember about geraniums is that they are a promiscuous lot enabling the plant breeders to have a field day when looking for new seedlings, many of the parent plants being British natives or those which have naturalized here. The main aim with border geraniums was to develop plants which will flower for long periods or at least have two flushes and to increase flower size.
Geranium ‘Rozanne’ illustrates just how random selection can be. Rozanne has won many prestigious awards including the public vote for Chelsea Plant of the Centenary for the decade 1993-2002. It flowers for long periods and is very attractive to bees and other insects, the almost perfect plant and a big commercial success yet it was a garden find that luckily was spotted by keen gardeners and then passed on to professional growers. It is believed that it is a naturally occurring hybrid of G. himalayense, the Himalayan geranium, and a cultivar of G. wallichianum known as ‘Buxton’s Variety.’
G.’Eureka Blue’ is a seedling of G.’Orion’ which in turn was a seedling from G.’Brookside’ which is a hybrid between G. clarkei ‘Kashmir Purple’ and G.pratense.
Johnson’s Blue or G.x johnsonii ‘Johnson’s Blue’ is thought to be a cross between G.himalayense and G.pratense our own Meadow Cranesbill, so you can see how bringing plants together from all over the world goes to produce the hybrids and cultivars that we see today.
Geranium ‘Light Dilys’
Geranium ‘Light Dilys’
‘Light Dilys” parents appear to be lost in the mists of time, however Geranium sanguineum is probably in the mix.
Geranium macrorrhizum is a semi-evergreen perennial growing to about 2′ with attractive fragrant foliage which is useful for under-planting trees and shrubs as it is tolerant of some shade and dry soils. Both these were planted in my “woodland” garden.
Geranium nodosum
Geranium nodosum ‘Swish Purple’
Geranium nodosum has a sprawling habit which makes it ideal for ground-cover particularly in a woodland setting where it will tolerate dry shade.
Geranium ‘Orkney Cherry’
Geranium ‘Orkney Cherry’
‘Orkney Cherry’ is an outstanding plant from geranium breeder Alan Bremner who has made many contributions to the geranium world. Bred in the Orkneys its deep green foliage turns to bronze as the year goes on contrasting with the delicate pink flowers which are present from early summer onward. Semi-evergreen.
Geranium oxonianum
Geranium x oxonianum ‘Katherine Adele’Geranium x oxonianum ‘Wargrave Pink’
The specie name x oxonianum is given to all crosses between G.endressii and G.versicolor. The parent plants cross-fertilise readily and the resultant hybrids are fertile which allows a myriad of cultivars to be developed. ‘Wargrave Pink’ is probably my favourite geranium, it grows strongly, is tolerant of a wide range of conditions and flowers for at least six months of the year. Another reason I like it is because it is a lovely clear pink and a welcome change from all the blues and purples.
Geranium phaeum
Geranium phaeum ‘Samobor’
Geranium phaeum is a striking upright perennial which is useful in a woodland setting as ground-cover as it will grow in shade. The deep purple flowers of ‘Samobor’ are particularly attractive but there is a white form which shows up well in a shady spot.
Geranium pratense
Geranium pratense ‘Galactic’Geranium pratense ‘Hocus Pocus’Geranium var. pratense. f. albiflorum. ‘Galactic’Geranium pratense ‘Summer Skies’Geranium pratense var striatum ‘Splish Splash’
Geranium pratense the Meadow Cranesbill is an important contributor to the geranium gene pool and crops up as a parent of many modern hybrids, its upright habit and extreme hardiness are desirable attributes. Along with its roll as a specie to cross with, many cultivars have also been developed from selective breeding.
The Hedgerow or sometimes Mountain Cranesbill has flowers which are distinctly different from most geraniums with deeply indented petals giving the illusion of a higher number than normal. It has naturalised itself in the UK where it can be found growing mainly in hedgerows. I have seen it described as coarse but I feel that does this lovely little flowering plant an injustice, it is a prolific seeder and crops up everywhere which, to me, only adds to its charm, probably not so much if you like a nice orderly garden.
Geraniumrenardii
Geranium renardii
The Caucasian Cranesbill is a little unusual, it forms clumps of velvety, wrinkled, scalloped leaves which change colour as they age, topped by heavily veined flowers. Needs a bit more care than most, a sheltered well-drained sunny site is best.
Geranium sylvaticum
Geranium sylvaticum ‘Album’Geranium sylvaticum
The Woodland Cranesbill is a beautiful little plant ideal for under-planting trees and shrubs, tolerates shade but prefers a moist soil. Found in damp meadows and open woodland in its native habitat, it is also found growing wild in the UK. The name really says it all when it comes to the plant’s growing requirements, the Latin sylvaticum actually means of woodland.
Geranium versicolor
Geranium versicolor
The Pencilled Geranium gets its name from the veined flowers and is one of the parents of the x oxonianum hybrids. This beautiful little plant is semi-evergreen and can tolerate some dryness and shade although it thrives in good moist border soil in a sunny position. Ideal cottage garden plant.
Geranium wlassovianum
Geranium wlassovianum
Geranium wlassovianum has a long flowering period which in addition has sprawling foliage which changes colour through the year, unfortunately this can’t be seen in the picture. Found in damp grasslands in its native habitat, it grows well in any good loam and can tolerate some shade.
Hardy Geraniums Culture
With such a large genus it is impossible to be specific, however in general terms many are semi-evergreen and have either a clump forming, trailing or creeping habit. The single flush types can be cut down after flowering which hopefully will induce a second flush. With the others I tend to leave the old foliage on over winter and cut down in the spring but this can be done after flowering, in autumn, if one prefers. Pretty much all geraniums are happy in a good moist but well drained loam in a sunny position although some are more shade and slightly arid tolerant than others. Propagation is by seed for those which come true, by cuttings, or more usually division, in the garden. For those plants which have to be vegetatively propagated to come true best to buy online from a specialist nursery unless you are lucky enough to have one near you.
Why bother you might ask, this plant was from a packet of seed I inadvertently bought. The Maderian Cranesbill is the largest of the geraniums, it is biennial and can reach 5′ before flowering in its second year. It may survive in the warmest of gardens but there was absolutely no chance of that happening in the North of England. The plant threw out ariel roots from the crown down the outside of the pot forming a support some of which I, in my ignorance, cut off, however the plant survived and flowered.
Geranium palmatum flowerGeranium palmatum
The Canary Island Cranesbill is an evergreen perennial which needs a warm garden to survive in the UK. Very similar to G.maderense which, at one time, was thought to be a form of G.palmatum until it was identified as a separate species.
Primula, along with meconopsis, is my favourite genus, the slightly acidic damp soil and the areas of dappled shade present in my previous garden provided an ideal micro-climate for both. These conditions made it possible to grow the mainly Asiatic types along with some European and American species, it did mean however, that the lime loving, mainly European species, were excluded.
The family Primulacae includes cyclamen, androsace and soldanella to name a few. The genus Primula is very large and diverse and because of this was split into 20 sections at the beginning of the twentieth century since when it has been updated into seven sections which are probably more botanically correct, however I will stick to the old classifications as I find them easier to comprehend. I have only included sections where I have grown plants and can provide pictures unless stated.
Section 1 Cortusoides
Primula heucherifoliaPrimula kisoana
These attractive plants have soft velvety leaves which die back to rhizomes in winter, in drier conditions they will tend to go dormant very quickly after flowering which impedes growth. To ensure strong healthy plants a damp spot preferably in light shade is much preferred.
Section 5 Obconica
Once a very popular house plant found everywhere, Primula obconica has now waned in popularity and is rarely seen. Some people had a skin reaction when the plant was handled but I very much doubt this was the only reason for its demise, more probably the advent of orchids being everyone’s favourite was to blame. The picture is not mine and is of a T&M selection.
Section 9 Vernales
The Vernales Section is a large European group containing primroses and polyanthus both of which are very familiar as bedding, in containers and even as house plants. I could only find a couple of pictures of primroses as, to be honest, I have never been a great fan as I have always felt that many primulas, particularly polyanthus, tend to be artificial looking and have consequently been neglected when taking ‘photos. They tend to prefer slightly acid moist soils and can generally be propagated by division or from seed. It is worth noting that most of the primulas that are pictured on this site have been raised from seed.
Section 12 Petiolares
Primula ‘Linnet’Primula tanneri ssps nepalensis
The Petiolaris Section contains around sixty species which are themselves split into several subspecies, however for the sake of sanity, I will not go down this avenue. The whole section is notoriously difficult to grow although there are quite a few species in cultivation. Primula gracilipes minor now named P.’Linnet’ is one of the easiest. Primula tanneri is another that I have grown in a poly tunnel and in the garden. They all like cool conditions in a moist gritty soil. Primula ‘Linnet’ is very close in appearance to P. petiolaris itself which is rarely seen. The plants shown were grown from seed which is the best way, although very careful division is an alternative.
The largest section of the genus, also the most diverse, ranging through Asia, Europe and the Americas including our very own Primula scotica. As the name suggests the prominent characteristic is that they all are covered in farina to varying degrees. Although requiring much the same conditions as all the other primulas that I have grown, I raise many of them under cover as they tend to be small in stature and are best established before planting out. All the primulas shown above are easily raised from seed.
Section 20 Denticulata
Primula denticulata is a plant with which nearly every gardener is familiar, commonly known as the ‘drumstick primula’ it has been an early spring flowering feature in many gardens for years. Easy to grow, you can even propagate it from its fleshy roots. The pictured specimen is not very strong having self-seeded itself into a gap with stone either side but it is the only picture I have unfortunately. There is also a rather nice white form, which I now have, with red and purple pink also being available.
Section 21 Capitatae
Primula capitata ‘Noverna Deep Blue’Primula capitata ‘Noverna Deep Blue’
Primula capitata is a neat little plant from the Himalayas, very definitely a peat lover it tends not to be long-lived.
Section 22 Muscarioides
Primula bellidifoliaPrimula cernuaPrimula deflexa
The best known plant in this section is Primula vialii which is even available as seed and plugs from some of the main online garden companies. The name of the section relates to the flower shape being that of muscari or grape hyacinth. For some reason I have never grown P.vialii, perhaps because it just doesn’t appeal to me. Basically, members of the section need the same treatment as most of the primulas I have described, its smaller relatives are probably safer in a peat bed or alpine house. The primulas in this group that I have grown were all raised and grown in a poly-tunnel as they were a bit too delicate for the main garden. Truth be told the only plant I managed to raise from seed of P. cernua perished before it flowered.
Section 23 Soldanelloides
Primula flaccida (Primula nutans)
Primula flaccida, formerly P.nutans, from Yunnan is the only success I have had with members of this section, three plants came from seed but only one survived to flowering and then died. Very difficult group to grow but contains some of the most beautiful plants which are often scented. The star turn is Primula reidii which is not only probably the most beautiful, but has a particularly strong scent as a bonus. Definitely subjects for careful cultivation in the alpine house.
Section 25 Nivales
Primula handelianaPrimula maximowiczii
Primula chionantha, is the best known of the Nivalids. They are Asiatics which generally are to be found growing on damp meadows and prefer the damper peaty conditions to be found in the north of England and Scotland. The two pictured above, which are both robust species with large strap-shaped leaves, were raised in the poly-tunnel and then planted outside where they were perfectly happy. I have grown P. chionantha but unfortunately I can’t find a picture.
Easy to grow section but needs peaty conditions and plenty of water to thrive. Many people will be more familiar with P.florindae, known as the Giant Cowslip, rather than the eponymous Primula sikkimensis, it comes in other colours ranging from red through orange. Generally easy from seed and division of vigorous clumps.
Hailing from the Himalayas these easy to grow plants with their tiered flowers are what started my interest in all plants from the alpine regions particularly the Asiatics, I was also lucky in that living in North West provided almost ideal conditions for my favourites. I first saw these in any quantity at Fletcher Moss Gardens, Didsbury but large plantings can be seen at Ness Gardens and Harlow Car Gardens. Although they will grow in any good peaty soil they need water to really thrive and make an excellent pond-side planting especially in numbers.
Section 30 Floribunda
Primula x Kewensis
Primula x Kewensis is a remarkable hybrid bred at Kew, as its name suggests, which comes true from seed. It was bred from P verticillata and P floribunda and is not fully hardy as I found out to my cost when I first raised it. If kept under glass it will flower in very early spring.
That completes my review of the genus Primula where I have included all the sections that I have successfully grown. When it comes to my failures with some of the more challenging plants, I can only say a poly-tunnel is really not adequate when compared with a dedicated alpine house however the pleasure and satisfaction I gained from actually raising some of these subjects from seed was very much worth the effort.
In many descriptions I have mentioned peat as being an essential component to the growth of these plants, many of which grow best in a peat bed. In a future post I hope to show the totally illogical approach the government is taking by banning the sale of peat for horticultural use.
Peat for horticultural use is extracted from 4,500 hectares of peatland which is 0.15% of the 3,000,000 hectares in the UK. Why are the banning the sale of peat?
Book reviewer and garden enthusiast. Updates from my Hampshire garden. Usually talking about books and plants. People do not forget books or flowers that touch them or excite them—they recommend them.
A Plantsman's World 