Candelabra Primrose - Primula beesiana

Candelabra Primrose growing in my bog garden.

Candelabra Primrose is a herbaceous perennial with attractive whorls of deep-pink to purple flowers with a yellow centre. There are up to eight whorls on a stem and they stand tall to 60cm. Plants form flat rosettes of light green, crinkly leaves to 20cm long. Flowering from late spring through summer. The flowers are attractive to butterflies and other insect pollinators.

These plants are best grown in consistently moist to wet, neutral to acidic, well-draining, rich soil in part shade. Mine gets morning sun and afternoon shade. This plant comes from the mountain areas of China.

The specific epithet beesiana refers to Bees Ltd., a nursery and seed company founded by amateur naturalist Arthur Bulley (1861-1942) in Cheshire, England. Bulley provided the funds for botanist George Forrest (1873-1932) to travel to southwestern China and collect plants suitable for growing in England.

Sow fresh seeds during autumn or winter as they need a cold spell to break their dormancy. For warmer areas, place seeds in an airtight container for 6 weeks before sowing. Sow seeds on top of the soil as they need light to germinate. Water and keep damp but not wet. Seeds will germinate when temperatures are around 20C. Grow plants on until 10cm in height. I would recommend transferring the plants into larger pots to establish and transfer into the garden the following spring.

Also known as Bee's Primrose.

Seeds currently available.

$5.00 - 10 open pollinated seeds

$4.00 - postage within Australia

Email to order - fascinatingbotanicals@gmail.com

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