Touch Me® Galaxy Magenta

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Primulaceae or Primulaceae

Order

Ericales

Genus

Primrose

Species

obconica

Description

A compact-growing ornamental herbaceous plant, appreciated both as an indoor and outdoor plant where it will give its inflorescences, which rise elegantly from the foliage, an accent of colour and refinement during the winter period when many other species are in dormant. Of medium hardiness, it prefers a light, well-draining substrate in pots as well as balanced fertilisation and irrigation.

Varietal description

The touch me series varieties of primula obconica do not contain primrose and therefore do not irritate the skin. A great advantage for operators and consumers, who will be able to handle and enjoy these beautiful plants without worry. The absence of primrose also results in a higher susceptibility of the cultivation to thrips.

curiosity and special features

A symbol of youth and rebirth as the generic term Primula itself emphasises, derived from prímus, meaning first in reference to its flowering, one of the first to appear.

Origin and Diffusion

A species native to the temperate biome of southern China where it grows as a perennial, from that area its seeds reached the UK via a British plant collector in the late 1800s. Hybridization activity in recent decades has led to a wide range of varieties with inflorescences of different colour shades.

Flower size

The flower individually is medium-sized, clustered in an elegant inflorescence.

Leaf

The leaves have a rounded lamina covered in fine hairs.

Flowering period

Flowering lasts from early winter to early spring for a duration of 40 to 70 days, making your outdoor spaces colourful and cosy even during the coldest periods while other ornamentals are in dormant.

Inflorescence

Umbrella inflorescence rising above the foliage.

Leaf color

Solid colour.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.12 to 0.2 m.

Lifespan

Plant grown as an annual.

Suggested planting locations

Suitable for adding an accent of colour as a balcony plant , pot plant. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors, depending on the climatic conditions.

Stem/stem

Herbaceous stem, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower has a simple, medium-sized form with a gamopetalous corolla. The petals are bi-coloured with special. It is arranged in large umbel inflorescences. It flowers from early winter to early spring, with a flowering period of between 40 and 70 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Compact-growing variety, perfect for creating dense monochromatic clusters.

Plant habit

The globular habitus allows for well-proportioned compositions.

branching

Branching is naturally low with an adequate ratio of foliage to inflorescence.

pH

The ideal pH of the substrate is acidic or slightly acidic, with optimum values between 5.5 and 6.0.

sun exposure

In relation to the place of use, expose the plant to a light source indoors, half-shade, shade if outdoors.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 14 and 20 °C.

The vital temperature is between 1 and 32 °C

Use

For its simple and elegant blooms, it is appreciated by gardeners and green enthusiasts in:

Outdoor ornamental area Indoor ornamental area

Hardiness

Of medium hardiness, it is a versatile variety and adaptable to cold weather during the autumn-winter period.

Soil/medium

Prefer a well-draining substrate for spring plants containing peat and perlite, in suitably sized pots.

Maintenance

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

cultivation tips

Here are some useful cultivation tips specific to the variety:

Balanced fertilisation Keep the substrate moist at all times

Composition

Because of its bearing and the maximum height attained, it is suitable for mixed compositions with other ornamentals such as Primula acaulis and Sutera diffusa.

Reproduction/Propagation

Reproduction is by seed.

Irrigation

Use rainwater, or alternatively not excessively cold aqueduct water, either manually or by means of an irrigation system. Keep the substrate moist but free from waterlogging, which can lead to fungal diseases and root rot with subsequent plant death. Root asphyxia resulting from waterlogging and the use of cold irrigation water can cause leaf chlorosis. It is advisable not to water the foliage from above during flowering but to distribute water to the substrate in order not to damage the flowers.

Fertilization

Carry out balanced and non-excessive applications of specific liquid fertiliser for ornamental plants to be distributed directly to the substrate diluted in the irrigation water. As Primula obconica is sensitive to salinity, care should be taken when fertilising using low to medium concentrations on a moist substrate as high concentrations or on a dry substrate can lead to chlorosis on the edges of the adult leaves.

Pet friendly

Some varieties are potentially toxic if ingested by dogs, cats and horses; consider the specific case.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Human toxicity

Varieties with primrose can cause skin irritation from contact, so wear gardening gloves while handling; also do not ingest any part of the plant for any variety.

advise 1

Fertilise the plants moderately every 15 days with a predominantly potassic title. As with all primroses, to darken the leaves, fertigate the pot with Iron EDDHA. It is preferable to water the plants by giving water in a saucer.