The drumstick primula is a great mixer. Available in many different colours, this hardy perennial looks good combined with other spring flowers in a partly shaded spot in the garden.
There are more than 400 different primula varieties, originating from mountainous areas of Europe and Asia. The primulas belong to the family Primulaceae which also includes cyclamens. Primulas consist of herbaceous plants that have rosettes of leaves and bell- or plate-shaped flowers.
The many primulas can be divided into springand summer-flowering varieties. Spring-flowering varieties are further distinguished by their differing flower shapes.
The drumstick primula develops stout flower stalks which grow to between 10 and 40cm. The star-shaped flowers cluster on these stems in globeshaped flower-heads. The green, oval leaves do not develop until during or soon after flowering. They can grow up to 30cm long and make a pretty rosette around the stalk.
The leaf edges are finely notched, giving this primula its Latin name of denticulata, which means `toothed'. The plant propagates by self-seeding and develops several new rosettes around the parent plant after a few years. The primula produces its flowers during April, but its vividly coloured flower-heads will last to brighten up the garden well into May.
MIXING COLOURS
A mixture of white and purple drumstick primulas looks very pretty, as the two colours complement each other. Drumstick primulas look their best planted in small groups -- a single plant on its own looks a little lost. Older plants can create an imposing group with ten or more `balls' of blossom.
Bright colours in the spring border
Thanks to cultivation, many varieties of drumstick primula are available, in shades from white, through pink and red to purple. The white form, 'Alba', is one of the most beautiful cultivated forms of the primula. 'Rosea' has pink flowers, while 'Cashmeriana' has pale purple blooms which grow in profusion. 'Rubra' is a bright red variety.
Drumstick primulas look attractive planted with small narcissi. The purple flowers of the primulas also offset daffodils. Corydalis lutea, Hepatica nobilis, Omphalodes verna and smaller ferns all combine effectively with the drumstick primula in a small spring flower-bed.
It also looks good with low-growing botanical tulips, oxlip primulas (Prirnula elatior), Primula roseum or marsh marigolds (Caltha palustris).
Drumstick primulas also look very pretty planted in front of rhododendrons, which flower after the primulas.
The ideal soil
The drumstick primula prefers soil which is low in lime and rich in humus. It also likes plenty of moisture. Forest soil is ideal. Never use mineral fertilizers, as they can cause damage to the plant.
Spread compost over the beds every other year to give the primula sufficient nutrients.
Semi-shade is best
The flowers may fade in full sunlight, so a spot which gets the sun for only part of the day suits the primula perfectly. Alternatively it should thrive in a border which receives dappled sun and shade. But do not go the other extreme and plant the primula in day-long shade. A cool, fresh location is best, and prolongs flowering.
Propagate by division
Drumstick primulas propagate by self-sowing, but it is also possible to divide and replant old plants. Once the primulas have been planted they require no special care, apart from weeding.
If you grow a particularly large specimen, you can propagate it by taking root cuttings. Cut off 3cmlong pieces of the root and plant these vertically in nutrient-rich soil.
It is important that the correct end is upwards. The root cuttings should be covered by lcm of soil and then watered. Cover the forcing frame or pots with a sheet of glass or plastic foil. Shoots will appear within four to six weeks.
After a few years in the same spot, your drumstick primulas will have created a thick mat of flowers by self-sowing.