LACED POLYANTHUS
Graham Rice picks his favourites
As long ago as the middle of the 18th century, laced polyanthus were exhibited at special flower shows, known at the time as ‘feasts’. They remain a popular spring flower today, and rightfully so, as they really are delightful.
The term ‘laced’ refers to the slender, contrasting, pale band of colour that edges the petals – which is most often gold (gold laced) but can also be white (silver laced).
Flowers are usually single (though they are occasionally double), and the lacing is set against a dark background colour of mahogany, chestnut, crimson, chocolate, even scarlet or dark blue, purple or almost black.
These captivating little plants almost always come in the polyanthus form (with the flowers gathered at the top of upright stems), rarely in the primrose form (with each flower on its own separate stem). They work particularly well in containers, where their patterns may be viewed in close-up. Try them as specimens in 4-6in (10-15cm) terracotta pots, grouped in larger containers, or in window boxes, positioned so you can appreciate the subtlety of their markings – so different from the gaudy varieties sold for spring bedding – without stooping.
some collectors like to show them off in a similar way to the traditional staging of auriculas: in theatres, with tiered displays of individual specimen plants. But because they are very hardy – hardier than most bedding polyanthus – these laced types can also be grown in raised beds. All they need is rich but well-drained soil in a little shade.
I like to have a few plants from which I can pick stems for posies to sit on the kitchen table, where I get the full benefit of their scent as well as their colouring.
Laced polyanthus remained popular throughout the 19th century, especially in scotland, Lancashire and Yorkshire.
Grown mainly by male gardeners, laced polyanthus declined in popularity during the First World War when many men were called up. The downward trend continued in the hard times of the interwar years and through the Second World War, after which only three varieties are thought to have survived.
The current resurgence of interest is largely thanks to seed distributed by Barnhaven Primroses – one of the best primrose and polyanthus nurseries in the world. Spring plant fairs can also be excellent sources of plants. If you are tempted to try them, it’s not too late to sow seed, and you might even find plants in garden centres. They’re well worth looking out for.