Best of the bunch

Primulas THESE spring favourites in a variety of forms and a rainbow of colours have been deemed the Horticultural Trades Association’s (HTA) ‘Plant of the Moment’ for March.

They flower their hearts out for weeks on end, both in containers and in beds and borders, self-seed freely and come back year after year.

New varieties are continually being bred, offering outstanding garden performance, larger flowers and better resistance to inclement weather. Although single-coloured flowers are always popular, also look out for bicolours, double and rosebud types, plus wonderfully scented new varieties.

Good choices include the Japanese candelabra primula (P. japonica) and orange Bulley’s candelabra primula (P. bulleyana).

There are many varieties – polyanthus and primrose are from the same genus. They survive best in partial shade and soil enriched in humus.