Primula florindae Kingdon Ward is a natural variant of the Giant Himalayan Cowslip and is a fantastic plant. It is of huge stature flowering at a height of 100cm (3½ feet) and extremely long lived; up to 20 years being noted by many. The best conditions are a rich moist fertile soil where it has a chance to develop its gigantic proportions; masses of strongly scented flowers can be enjoyed during June and July, this being the latest Primula to flower in the garden. It can also naturalise in a damp situation but in this regard is best suited to a big garden. In a garden a group of 3 or 4 plants make a very bold statement. When conditions are not so damp Primula florindae (copper form) still grows but all of its parts are reduced in size; but still producing masses of scented flowers.

This strongly perennial species is very widespread throughout the Sinohimalayan region. This means that much variation in colour can occur. However, the form we offer here has beautiful highly scented pinkish mauve flowers borne on stems 30cm (1 foot) tall during May into June. It grows in alpine zones and prefers moist meadows and along streams and brooks. In the authors experience it grows well in soils that retain moisture and can cope with fairly damp sites within the garden. It is ideal beside small ponds perhaps associated with a rock garden. It should be grown in its own space never allowing other more robust plants to overcrowd. As with all plants from the Sinohimalayan region Primula munroi subsp. yargongensis is extremely hardy standing many degrees of frost. Plants are supplied bare-root and are of a mature flowering size; they will flower next season.

Primula alpicola is a very easy clump forming, extremely hardy long-lived garden plant flowering from May into June. Coming from Tibet this species is acclimatised to serious cold weather! It thrives in cool humid situations such as stream sides, edges of ponds and damp hollows. It will spread by self sown seedlings when conditions remain moist thereby extending the groups quite naturally. The sweetly scented perfume from the flowers is carried around the garden on cool still June evenings. The flowering stem will reach a height of 40 – 50 cm (16 to 20 inches). Primula alpicola will assort well with other moisture loving plants such as Astilbe.

What a name! Don’t be put off by this; you may just as well call it ‘Wondrous’ because that is how it looks. The early leaves in March/April unfold and have a most delightful farina dusted surface. This is a fine dust-like material thought to protect the plant from UV light. This is a very hardy perennial garden Primula and reliably flowers each year. It is a clump forming species which can be divided to provide more plants for your garden; for free! The flowers open as the short (30cm or 1 foot) flowers stem develops. Each plant produces several flower stems. It is an early Primula making it a great addition to the early spring garden. Tolerant of soils which never dry out, even beside the pond margin, this is a most accommodating garden plant. This western Chinese Primula species always gives delight.

Primula alpicola is a very easy clump forming, extremely hardy long-lived garden plant flowering from May into June. Coming from Tibet this species is acclimatised to serious cold weather! It thrives in cool humid situations such as stream sides, edges of ponds and damp hollows. It will spread by self sown seedlings when conditions remain moist thereby extending the groups quite naturally. The sweetly scented perfume from the flowers is carried around the garden on cool still June evenings. The flowering stem will reach a height of 40 – 50 cm (16 to 20 inches). Primula alpicola will assort well with other moisture loving plants such as Astilbe.