Primrose 'Luxor Red' (Primula acaulis) – Hardy Winter & Spring Bedding (12 Plants in 2 x 6-Cell Trays)

Luxor Red primroses bring rich, velvety colour to the garden or patio in the cooler months, with deep red flowers and a classic yellow eye. This is Primula acaulis (also known as Primula vulgaris), the garden primrose, and it flowers from late winter into mid-spring.

The plants are compact and low-growing, forming a neat rosette of mid-green, crinkled, oval leaves. They are fully hardy, so they are a dependable choice for autumn and spring planting, and the flowers attract bees and other early-season pollinators.

You receive 12 plants growing in 2 plastic 6-cell bedding trays, one plant to a cell, ready to plant out into borders, beds, containers, hanging baskets or window boxes. They do best with morning sun and afternoon shade, in moist, fertile soil that drains freely. Full sun suits them only where the soil stays moist. Enrich the planting soil with well-rotted compost or leaf mould to hold moisture, and use a peat-free multi-purpose compost in containers.

Water regularly to keep the soil moist but never waterlogged, and feed every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser while they are flowering. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong the display. These are true perennials, so after flowering they can be planted out or divided to come back year after year. Primulas can cause stomach upset and skin irritation, so wash your hands after handling them.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Primrose, Garden Primrose
• Botanical Name: Primula vulgaris and Primula acaulis
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: Approx. 15-20cm tall and 20-25cm wide
• Growth Habit: Low-growing, compact, rosette-forming perennial
• Perfect For: Borders, containers, window boxes, hanging baskets, patio pots
• Foliage: Mid-green, crinkled, oval leaves
• Flowering Time: Late winter to mid-spring (January to April)
• Flower Colour: Deep red with a yellow eye
• Planting Position: Full sun to partial shade, with moist soil
• Soil Type: Moist, well-drained, fertile soil
• Hardiness: Fully hardy
• Maintenance: Low. Deadhead spent flowers and divide clumps every few years
• Seasonal Interest: Winter and spring colour
• Type: Hardy perennial, grown as bedding