Primula elatior

VICTORIAN LACED OXLIPS

Primula elatior
VICTORIAN LACED OXLIPS

These are exquisitely coloured and lace trimmed varieties of Primula elatior, in a mix of superb colours.
Primula elatior is the much loved “Oxlip” type of Primula.
And the Victorian Laced Oxlips are prized treasures amongst all the lovely Oxlips.

Exquisitely coloured and lace trimmed blooms

The flowers come in a range of jewel-like colours – burgundy, wine, purples and russet reds, but each trimmed with a lace edge of silver or gold.
With the flowers borne in posies of clustered laced heads.
Primula elatior ‘Victorian Laced Oxlips’ really are enchanting.

Dainty Victorian Laced Oxlips

These little charmers are known as Victorian Laced because they were so wildly popular during Victorian times.
Even the most humble cottage gardener could grow them on a window sill.
Or the lord of the manor could plant them in great shimmering drifts on his estate.
Either way they were adored by all.

Heralds of spring

Clusters of prettily laced flowers sit very jauntily above during late winter and early spring.
So they usher in the joys of spring and enchant with their early flowers.

Treasures for shade

Though unusual looking, Primula elatior has similar growing requirements to most other Primula.
So it enjoys positions in Shade to Deep Shade.

Primula elatior is robustly frost hardy.
And enjoys moist and boggy spots or heavier soil, clay based soils, as well as soils generously enriched with compost and leaf mould.
It is not difficult to grow given it’s preferred conditions, and is a long lasting perennial. So you will be enchanted by Oxlips in all their jewel like colours and lacing, for many years to come.

Enchanting in pots or garden

Victorian Laced Oxlips are easy low maintenance plants when planted in a suitable spot or in a cool shaded pot.
They form evergreen perennial clumps of typical Primula foliage, sitting close to the ground as a neat rosette.
Mercifully rabbits and deer are not particularly attracted to Primula, and tend to pass them by on their way to more favourite fodder.

30cm. High in flower spires x 25cm. Wide evergreen foliage rosette.

SEED SOWING ADVICE: QUICK & EASY

Sow indoors in winter, spring or autumn / or scatter outdoors winter or spring.

Indoors:
(Sowing Tip: Primula seeds are very fine and tiny. So pop a little fine sieved mix or sand into the bag containing the seed, shake around to collect the seed, and then sow the whole contents of the bag).
First sow the seeds in a punnet on surface of good quality seed raising mix.
Then gently pat the surface to ensure the seeds have good contact with the surface of the mix.
But do not cover with mix because these seeds need light to germinate.

Now place the sown, moist punnet in a well lit position (with good light but absolutely no direct sunlight).
And continue to keep consistently moist by misting regularly with a spray water bottle.
Covering with a plastic hat will also help to maintain consistent moisture.

Temperatures of 15-18°C. are best for optimum and rapid germination.

Seedlings emerge in approx. 21-40 days.

However if the seeds are shy to germinate – Then cling wrap the moist sown punnet and place in the  fridge (not freezer) for 4-6 weeks.
Then remove, unwrap and return to well-lit position at 15-18°C. and continue to keep moist.

Seed Count: 5 seeds per pack. (Unusual treasures not commonly available).

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