Primula Plants

Why should you choose primula plants?

Primula bulbs are an excellent choice for gardeners who want to add vibrant colour, charm, and versatility to their outdoor spaces. With their striking blooms and ability to thrive in various garden settings, primulas are a must-have for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Whether you’re creating a cottage garden, enhancing a rockery, or adding interest to damp, shady areas, primulas provide endless possibilities.

One of the key reasons to choose primulas is their versatility in planting schemes. They pair beautifully with ferns, ornamental grasses, or hostas, offering a lush, layered look. Their long-lasting flowers also bring early-season interest to borders and complement other spring perennials perfectly. Primulas are particularly well-suited for areas with moist soil, thriving in conditions where many other plants struggle.

In addition to their stunning appearance, primulas are low-maintenance and reliable, returning year after year with minimal care. Their wide range of colours and unique forms, like the rounded blooms of Primula denticulata or the spired flowers of Primula vialii, ensures there’s a variety to suit every garden style. For a beautiful, adaptable, and easy-to-grow perennial, primula bulbs are a fantastic choice.

Stephen’s primula top picks

Stephen Teeuw is the 3rd generation of his family to work in the flower bulb industry; he grows hundreds of varieties of new bulbs each year. At Peter Nyssen, we offer a wide variety of primula to satisfy the needs of any gardening enthusiast. Here are Stephen’s top picks:

• Vialii: A strange but utterly charming little spike with a unique display of colours

• Denticulata Rubin: I like the name as much as the flower, a lovely rich purple ring of flowers around a short stem. 

How to plant primula

Planting primula plants is simple and rewarding, bringing vibrant colour and charm to your garden. Follow these steps to give your primulas the best start:

Choose the right location: Primulas thrive in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. They are ideal for shaded borders, rockeries, or areas near ponds and streams where the soil stays cool and damp.

Prepare the soil: Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. Primulas prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil, so adjust the pH if needed by adding ericaceous compost for more acidic conditions.

Planting depth and spacing: Plant the root 8-10 cm (3-4 inches) deep, with the crown just at the surface. Space them 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) apart to allow room for growth and airflow between plants.

Water after planting: Water the area thoroughly to help the soil settle around the roots. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry spells.

Mulch for protection: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as bark chips or leaf mould, to retain soil moisture and protect the bulbs from temperature fluctuations.

With these simple steps, your primulas will establish well and reward you with their vibrant blooms in early to mid-spring. Perfect for adding colour and texture to shaded spots, they’ll quickly become a highlight of your garden.

Why choose Peter Nyssen bulbs?

• We are a friendly, family-run business with more than 60 years of experience

• Our bulbs are packaged in compostable, starch-based bags where possible

• We offer bulk prices and free delivery for orders over £50

• We supply flower bulbs in quantities large and small, for all types of gardeners from the cottage potterer to the professional landscaper 

• With a range of colours and varieties available, you'll be spoilt for choice.

FAQs

When is the best time to plant primulas?

The best time to plant primulas is in early autumn or spring. Planting in autumn allows the roots to establish before winter, ensuring vibrant blooms in early spring. Spring planting is also an option but should be done as early as possible.

Where do primulas grow best?

Primulas thrive in partial shade and prefer moist, well-drained soil. They’re perfect for shaded borders, rockeries, or near water features like ponds and streams, where the soil remains cool and damp.

What plants pair well with primulas?

Primulas pair beautifully with ferns, ornamental grasses, and hostas, especially those with blue or golden-yellow foliage. They also work well alongside spring-flowering bulbs like snowdrops and daffodils, as well as plants with green flowers.

How do I care for primulas after flowering?

After flowering, remove any spent blooms to encourage the plant to focus energy on its foliage. Keep the soil consistently moist and apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and protect the roots. Primulas are low-maintenance and will return year after year with minimal care.

Need more help?

Add vibrant colour and timeless charm to your garden with our stunning primulas. Perfect for borders, rockeries, and damp, shaded areas, these versatile plants will bring early-season interest and beauty to your outdoor space. Whether you’re creating a cottage garden look or enhancing a woodland area, primulas are an essential addition.

Browse our range of premium-quality primula plants today and transform your garden with their unique blooms. For planting tips and expert advice, visit our primula planting guide, or get in touch with our team—we’re here to help you every step of the way!