Perola Mix F1

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Primulaceae

Order

Ericales

Genus

Primrose

Species

polyantha

Description

Ornamental perennial herbaceous plant, often grown as an annual or seasonal, uniform and compact. Appreciated for its small size and early flowering, which occurs as early as winter, providing light and colour when many other species are still dormant; suitable for ornamental balcony and terrace plantings as well as flower beds, even in mixed compositions. Elegant rosettes of basal leaves from which emerge the stiff stems bearing flowers with petals in different colour shades depending on the variety.

Variety description

Perola is the most uniform polyanta primula on the market, both in growth and flowering. The flowers are borne on a solid, not too long stem, the colours are bright and very attractive, characterised by a superior duration. The series is medium-late, very colour-synchronous and within a window of a few days.

Curiosities and special features

Considered a symbol of spring, youth and rebirth. The term Primula itself is a diminutive of prímus, i.e. first in reference to the early flowering of this botanical genus, while the specific epithet polyantha means 'many-flowered' as also emphasised by the common name Primula multiflora.

Origin and distribution

Primula x polyantha is a hybrid obtained by crossing P. veris × P. vulgaris, the former species being native to a range extending from Europe to Siberia and from Iran to Algeria, and the latter from Europe to the Western Caucasus and Lebanon.

Flower size

The Flower is Medium in size, giving the plant high ornamental value.

Leaf

Leafs have lamina Obovata.

Flowering period

fromearly winter to early spring for a duration of 25 to 40 days; Primula x polyantha is also valued for its early flowering, which occurs when many other species do not flower or are dormant.

Leaf colour

solid colour, in chromatic harmony with the shade of the flowers.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.1 to 0.15 m, making it ideal as a first-rate plant within mixed compositions.

Lifespan

Herbaceous Seasonal.

Where to plant

Because of the size it achieves and the note of elegance conferred by its flowering, it is suitable as a plant for flowerbeds, balconies, pots, small pots, either alone or in combination with other ornamentals.

Stem

The stems are herbaceous; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower has a simple, medium-sized form with a dialipetal corolla. The petals are bi-coloured with an eye. It flowers from early winter to early spring, with a flowering period of between 25 and 40 days. It is attractive to bumblebees.

Growth

Compact-growing variety, suitable for creating proportionate and uniform overall results both in flowerbeds and in pots or planters.

Plant habit

It develops an Erect habit of growth, visually reinforced by the flower-bearing stems.

PH

It requires a sub-acidic soil or medium 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

Suitable for exposures in half shade, shade, light shade. On an open-air balcony, a position sheltered from the sun lengthens the flowering period, as the individual flowers last longer at lower temperatures and brightness.

Ideal climate and temperature

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

Use

Appreciated for its vigorous growth and early flowering in:

Ornamental environment Outdoor ornamental

Hardiness

Variety of medium hardiness; flowers and leaves are resistant to rain.

Soil

For use in pots and planters, a good quality substrate for spring plants containing peat and perlite is recommended. In flowerbeds, the ideal soil for proper vegetative development should be sandy, light and well loosened.

Difficulty

Cultivation is fairly easy, adding further value to the plant.

Growing tips

In relation to irrigation, to prevent damage to vegetative development and subsequent flowering, this variety of Primula x polyantha:

Prefers slightly calcareous water

Combinations with other plants

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

Planting

For transplanting into beds we recommend an average density of 35 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 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; finally, water immediately after planting, but prevent water stagnation.

Repotting

After purchase, it can be repotted in a larger pot to extend its life, but using a sub-acidic peat soil (pH 5.5-6.2).

Watering

Use rainwater, alternatively low-lime aqueduct water, either manually or by irrigation. After transplanting, assist the seedling in the early stages of development in the new planting site, avoiding both dryness and excess water. Afterwards, keep the medium or soil slightly moist but free from stagnation which can cause root rot. Do not water the aerial part during the afternoon or evening hours to prevent the development of plant diseases.

Fertilising

After settling properly in the new planting site, on average three to four weeks after transplanting, from mid-winter to mid-spring, apply a liquid fertiliser for ornamental plants to the substrate or soil, diluting it in the irrigation water without exceeding the frequency and doses applied, as Primula x polyantha fears over-fertilisation, especially in conjunction with water stress.

A fertilisation with iron can help to keep the foliage darker-green, while the flowers become brighter with some fertilisation with a high potassium content (15.5.25).

Tip

On the balcony outdoors, a position sheltered from the sun lengthens the flowering period, as the individual flowers last longer at lower temperatures and brightness. Transplanting primroses purchased in pots to balconies or tubs lengthens the duration of the plants and flowering. Fertilisation with iron keeps the foliage darker green and the flowers become brighter with some high potassium fertilisation (15.5.25). The Perola primrose can also be placed indoors in a very bright position in a cool room or on the stairs. It will however last less than outdoors, depending on the temperature, 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, it will last in quality little more than a week even if watering is ensured on time.