5 to plant now

Primula veris AGM

If you want to naturalise a wild species in grass, the semi-evergreen cowslip is a better option than the primrose because it holds its dainty heads of butter yellow flowers on taller stems. Plugs can be planted now. H: 1ft (30cm).

‘Dark Rosaleen’

A combination of unusual bronze-red foliage and deep red flowers featuring pale pink stripes and a golden eye. I’ve found it both long-lived and easy in the garden. Also looks good in rockeries and containers. H: 1ft (30cm).

‘Footlight Parade’

A bewitching series of little polyanthus in shades of pink, orange and yellow, from raspberry to peach, apricot and citron. Shy seeders, so the seed is quite scarce – lift and divide every two-three years to ensure longevity. H: 4-8in (10-20cm).

‘Francisca’ AGM

This unusual primrose is sure to become a talking point; leaf-like and yellow-eyed, the ruffled-edged green flowers appear in March and carry on going until July – sometimes beyond if you continue to deadhead them. H: 1ft (30cm).

‘Dawn Ansell’

This beautiful double primrose almost died out, but micropropagation cloning means we can still enjoy the white flowers, each surrounded by a ruff of mini leaves (a form known as Jack-in-the-green) from early to late spring. H: 5in (12cm).