Primula Marginata

By Mary Irwin

Fascination with plants and the precious architecture of each infinite species have wooed novice and expert gardeners alike since Adam & Eve first eyed each other in The Garden of Eden. For the Primula enthusiast, this fascination has uncovered treasures to share with gardeners from all walks of life. Amongst these treasures is Primula marginata, a plant with many possibilities. They should be a part of every gardener’s repertoire!

Whether you are starting out in gardening or have become an expert grower, the marginata species is quickly becoming renowned in the Primula world. Discovered in cultivation in 1777, this species is known to grow randomly “in the wild” – found in places such as The Maritime and Cottiam Alps, an area intersecting the western part of Italy and the southeast France border regions. It wanders further north into Nice, a mountainous area of France. Their abundant growth is prevalent in northern faces of rock formations, favoring limestone cliffs or crevices. Marginata is a species gravitating to lower altitude ranges, between 2,500 and 8,500 feet (500-3000m). Within the bottom range of this altitude, a northern exposure is prevalent. In the highest range of altitudes, it is more adoptable to the sun’s exposure.

The marginata as it emerges from seed shoots up stems with an array of direction – from erect to sprawling with a reach of up to 2 feet (60cm) long. Hardy and woody in texture, when leaves die back, they expose a dormant bud in winter environments. The leaves grayish-green appearance mutes a leathery surface with jagged edges. There is an exciting variety of flower, leaf, and color combinations. When young plants, heavy with white transpires, a yellow-gold or white farina permeates the plant. Farina is a fine powdery-like substance produced by the plant on microscopic hairs. Mature leaves are known to display farina outlining the edges of the leaves. This draws the eye to the silhouette of the leaf as it creates a natural margin around its structure. Farina around the throat creates a white eye. The farina will remain prime when subjected to bottom versus overhead watering. Flower colors are soft pastels – mostly in a hue of pinks, whites, and mauve blue, or pale blues. Upon flowering, funnel-shaped, faintly scented blossoms emerge in an explosion of colors.

Primula marginata is aptly named for the jagged-edged leaves, accentuated with the yellow-gold or white farina. Primula marginata is found in the auricula section, being one of the easiest species of the primula family to grow. One attribute is its long-life. Via most forms of conventional gardening, the plant varies in size from To present a marginata as named cultivars, the plant must have significant characteristics differentiating it from any other comparable or similar plant in cultivation. There have been differences in the past in naming of several species of these plants. Therefore, the effort to eliminate any confusion or redundancy in the name process of these species is being undertaken.

A few plants that Primrose marginata can be hybridized with are - Primrose latifolia, allioni, auricula, pedemontana, villosa, and pubscens. There are some exemplary hybrids originating in the United Kingdom. Eyes and ears focused on the growers in this region will bring bountiful rewards by discovering new and exciting varieties as they appear.

Seed derived from Primula marginata can be sown successfully in January or February. Once seeds are sown, the container must be placed outside to stratify. In stratifying, you are exposing the seeds to a cycle of freezing and thawing to stimulate germination. At times, you must be patient, as a marginata seed’s rate of germination can last up to two years. However, your patience will be well worth the wait! Perhaps you will enter a plant into a show someday. The rewards will be much greater when you follow a patient path.

Should you desire, why not “cross” your own plants? Plant your own seeds. Then, see what develops. You may grow an “eye-catcher” or special plant. Most of all you will no doubt enjoy the experience of growing something different, or even unique to the world!

Primula marginata will never let you down. It will always remain a winner in my world of plants, as I hope it will in yours. A beginner, novice, avid or expert gardener, or perhaps a companion or friend strolling in your garden will always gravitate to the unique beauty and quality this plant has to offer.

Photo Credit: Orval Agee