Primroses (Primula vulgaris) are the best winter flowers for color. Not only are they among the first flowers to bloom but their very name implies earliness: Primula is derived from the Latin word for ‘early.’ Desirable for their tolerance of cold temperatures and for their bright, cheerful flowers, primroses can be grown as either annuals or perennials. In ancient cookery the flowers were the chief ingredient in a pottage called ‘Primrose Pottage.’ Pottage is a thick soup or stew and was a staple food of all people living in Great Britain from neolithic times to the Middle Ages. The old dish had rice, almonds, honey, saffron, and ground Primrose flowers.
Published by Amy on: Jan 6, 2015
#primrose #wintergarden #whatsgrowingtuesday #lomamar #sfbayarea
Update: (Mar 15, 2016) I always think of them as saying, “Look down at me, look down at me!” They grow in all sorts of form, size, and color (over 400 species). In fact, when given the proper growing conditions, these vigorous plants will multiply each year, adding stunning color to the landscape in the late winter and spring. And, best of all, the blooms often last throughout summer and in the fall season for us if in a shaded area. Gotta love plants like that! Yes, we see you.
