How to enjoy Primula obconica?

Primula obconica flowers

Image – Flickr / Stefano

Few plants are as beautiful as the Primula obconica they can grow well in low light conditions. This one is also small, which is great because it means that it is suitable for growing in pots, and as if that were not enough, it adapts to living indoors.

But so that doubts do not arise (or, if they arise, that they already have their answer), we invite you to continue reading this article.

Origin and characteristics

Primula obconica in garden

Image – Wikimedia Commons / David J. Stang

The Primula obconicapopularly known as primrose or primrose, is a perennial plant native to China that lives for a few years. Grows to a height of 40cm, and a width of 25cm. It forms rosettes of thick green heart-shaped leaves. In late winter and early spring a flower stalk sprouts from the end of which an umbel-shaped inflorescence with lavender flowers sprouts.

Numerous cultivars have been developed, among which ‘Libre Magenta’ stands out, as it won the Award of Garden Merit (AGM) from the Royal Horticultural Society. And, as a curiosity, you should know that the hairs that cover the leaves can cause allergies.

What are their cares?

If you want to have a spring issue, we recommend providing the following care:

Location

The Primula obconica produces flowers of several different colors

Image – Flickr / Mauricio Mercadante

It is a plant that can be both indoors and outdoors:

  • Outdoor: in semi-shadow.
  • Interior: in a room with plenty of natural light, without drafts.

Earth

  • Flower pot: universal growing medium mixed with 20% of perlite.
  • the garden: grows in fertile soils, with good drainage.

Irrigation

The frequency of watering the spring flower will vary greatly throughout the year. But to give you an idea, it is recommended to water it 3-4 times a week in summer, and once or twice a week the rest of the year. When in doubt, it is always best to check the moisture of the soil or substrate before doing anything, for example by inserting a thin wooden stick, using a digital moisture meter or weighing the pot once watered and again after a few days.

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As important as giving him water every time he needs it is to pay it during the time he is growing, which is in the spring and summer. Therefore, you must use fertilizers for flowers or guano, in liquid form, following the indications specified on the package. Another option is to go ecological fertilizers every 15 or 20 days, or alternately. Doing the latter will ensure that it receives all the nutrients it needs to grow and produce fantastic flowers.

Multiplication

Primula obconica is easy to care for

Image – Flickr / Stefano

It multiplies by seeds in spring. Proceed as follows:

  1. First, you have to fill a seedling tray (like this one) with universal growing medium mixed with 30% perlite.
  2. Then, water thoroughly, ensuring that the soil is well soaked.
  3. Next, sow a maximum of two seeds in each socket, and cover them with a thin layer of substrate.
  4. Then enter a label with the name of the plant and the date of sowing.
  5. Finally, place the seedbed outside, in full sun or in semi-shade.

If all goes well, they will germinate in 2-3 weeks, but keep them there until you see roots sprouting from the drainage holes.

Pruning

You should remove only dry leaves and wilted flowers with, for example, kitchen or children’s scissors. Of course, clean them before and after with pharmacy alcohol.

Transplant

Every two years in spring. The step by step to follow is as follows:

  1. The first thing you have to do is carefully extract the plant. If you can’t, check to see if roots come out of the drainage holes, untangle them trying not to cut any (although if any were to break, nothing would happen ); and if, on the other hand, you don’t have it, tap the pot.
  2. Then, fill a pot about 3-4cm wider than the previous one with universal growing medium. If you want a first layer of clay or volcanic clay to improve drainage.
  3. Next, plant the spring flower making sure it is about 0,5cm or below the level of its new container.
  4. Finally, water thoroughly and, if you had it outside, leave it in semi-shade until you see growth (it usually takes about two weeks).

Plagues and diseases

It is quite resistant, but can be affected by snails and slugs if the environment is humid and / or it is the rainy season. Fortunately, they are well controlled with the remedies that we tell you in this link.

Rusticity

It is very sensitive to frost. The temperature should not drop below 5ºC. If you live in a colder area, it must be kept indoors until spring returns.

Primula obconica

Image – Flickr / Gustavo Fernando Duran

What did you think of Primula obconica? Do you dare to have one?

How to enjoy Primula obconica?

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