Elunistar Orange F1

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Primulaceae or Primulaceae

Order

Ericales

Genus

Primrose

Species

acaulis

Description

Herbaceous plant grown as an annual, with compact growth and an erect habitus. The blooms, with an excellent assortment of colours, appear during the end of winter, giving an accent of colour and elegance to terraces and balconies in pots and tubs, also in composition with other ornamentals.

Easy to cultivate, it prefers a well-draining substrate with a tendency to be acidic with exposure in half-shade.

Variety description

Primula elunistar is a medium early series, very uniform in growth and with simultaneous flowering between the different colours. Slightly more vigorous than average, it can be grown in a 10 cm pot, but can also be extended to 12 cm. It is one of the most popular among growers due to its ease of cultivation and robustness, as well as its large assortment of colours, among which the original sailing stands out.

Curiosities and special features

Considered a symbol of spring, youth and rebirth, the term primula is short for prímus, meaning first, in reference to the early flowering that occurs at the end of the winter period when other ornamentals are still in their dormant state.

Origin and distribution

A species native to the temperate biomes of Europe, Western Caucasus and Lebanon.

Flower size

The flower is medium-sized compared to other varieties, lending elegance to the overall flowering.

Leaf

The leaves have obovate lamina.

Flowering period

Flowering lasts from mid-winter to early spring for between 35 and 50 days, allowing us to bring colour and vibrancy to our green spaces during the coldest time of the year.

Leaf colour

Solid colour.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.1 to 0.15 m, ideal for use in pots and tubs.

Lifespan

Plant grown as a seasonal.

Where to plant

Typically used to add an accent of colour as a balcony plant , pots, tubs, small pots

Stem

Herbaceous stem, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower has a simple, medium-sized form with a dialipetal corolla and solid-coloured petals. It flowers from mid-winter to early spring, with a flowering period of between 35 and 50 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

A variety with compact growth, perfect for creating dense, well-proportioned groups.

Plant habit

Plant with an erect habit.

Branching

Branching is naturally meagre.

PH

It prefers a slightly acidic soil or substrate pH between 5.5 and 6.0.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting into the bed, carry out 20/30 cm deep digging, removing any weeds, previous crop residues and bulky pebbles. Spread professional quality substrate about 5/10 cm on the surface and carefully level.

Sun exposure

For best vegetative growth and lush flowering, exposures in half-shade, shade and light shade are recommended.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 6 and 16 °C. The vital temperature is between -2 and 32 °C

Use

The flowering, with its wide range of colours, makes it ideal as a plant in:

Ornamental environment Outdoor ornamental

Hardiness

Variety with medium hardiness.

Soil

For use in pots and planters, a substrate for spring plants containing peat and perlite is recommended. In flowerbeds it prefers a light, loosely loosened soil.

Difficulty

Cultivation is fairly easy, the management effort is low overall.

Growing tips

Some specific cultivation aspects and tricks for the variety:

Prefers slightly calcareous water Requires low night temperatures to flower

Combinations with other plants

Suitable for creating monochrome groups or for compositions with other ornamentals such as Anemone coronaria, Ranunculus asiaticus, Viola cornuta.

Planting

For planting in flowerbeds we recommend an average density of 32 plants per square metre in order to ensure proper development of the root and aerial apparatus of each specimen, thus obtaining a harmonious and proportionate final composition. We suggest placing each seedling in a raised bed with the collar outside the soil surface, taking care not to damage the roots and avoiding completely sinking the root ball, which must be well moistened, and then water immediately after planting.

Propagation

Medium sowing.

Watering

Use rainwater, or alternatively low-lime aqueduct water, either manually or by means of an irrigation system. After transplanting, assist the seedling in the early stages of development in the new planting site, avoiding both desiccation and excess water. Subsequently take care to keep the substrate or soil moist at all times but free from stagnation which can cause fungal diseases and root rot. Do not water the aerial part during the afternoon or evening hours to prevent the development of phytopathologies.

Fertilising

After proper establishment in the new planting site, from mid-winter to spring, apply a liquid fertiliser for ornamental plants to the soil or substrate, diluted in the irrigation water, without exceeding the frequency and doses applied.

Pet safety

Avoid administration, consult your veterinarian in case of ingestion.

Edibility for humans

The leaves and flowers of some varieties find culinary use in the preparation of salads. Not all varieties are edible.

Tip

Transplanting primroses purchased in pots into balconies or tubs prolongs the life of the plants and the flowering. Iron fertilisation of primroses in tubs keeps the foliage darker green and the flowers become brighter with some high potassium fertilisation (15.5.25). The primula elUNISTAR can also be placed indoors in a very bright position in a cool, ventilated room, with temperatures never above 12-14°C. It will, however, last less than outdoors, depending on the temperatures, the ventilation of the room and the light in the position in which it is placed. Avoid a room with heating at 20°C all day and no ventilation.