Primula suffrutescens

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14) Primula, Dodecatheon, Androsace and other Primulaceae

Primula suffrutescens is a Sierra Nevada endemic found at high elevations on damp granitic screes and talus slopes. These seeps are kept moist by melting snow.
The plants form large mats, (I have seen several up to six foot across) with stems rooting as they run. When not in flower it is easy to mistake the plant (at first glance) for a sedum. The leaves are a yellow/ green color, thick, spoon shaped and succulent looking with a few rounded teeth along the end. When in flower there is no mistaking it's identity. There is some variance in color intensity from plant to plant.

http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=250092239
http://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=6871
http://www.sierrawildflowers.org/primula_suffrutescens.htm

Has anyone grown this species? When would be the best time to take cuttings?

Comments

Richard T. Rodich's picture

Richard T. Rodich

Wed, 11/09/2011 - 1:13pm

Compared to most primula, there certainly seems to be a lot of stem on the non-flowering parts.  A nice advantage for rerooting, and pretty, too!

Toole's picture

Toole (not verified)

Thu, 11/10/2011 - 5:42pm

Gosh that's a wonderful looking Primula John.

Might have to keep an eye out on the various seedxs for any listing.

Cheers Dave.

Amy Olmsted's picture

Amy Olmsted

Sat, 11/19/2011 - 9:13am

The American Primrose Society seed-ex will have this one! But I'm thinking it will sell out fast and members get first dibs. Non-members get a chance in the second round distribution. This years list is shaping up to be especially interesting!  :o

Lori S.'s picture

Lori S. (not verified)

Sun, 11/20/2011 - 10:24am

It certainly is a beautiful, vivid colour. 
So one does not need to be a member to get seed from the American Primrose Society seedex?  I'm sure a lot of people will find that good to know.

Peter George's picture

Peter George

Sun, 11/20/2011 - 2:49pm

It is a beautiful but astonishingly frustrating primrose. It grows in vernally wet areas of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and requires very specific garden conditions for it to grow and bloom. I've only had it survive and bloom once, when we had an enormous snowfall in December and the snow stayed covering it until late March, when I found it quite happy and ready to go. It bloomed later that spring but it disappeared during our August 'mugs.' I'll try it again, I suppose, but it isn't easy to please here in New England.

Amy Olmsted's picture

Amy Olmsted

Sun, 11/20/2011 - 3:21pm
Lori wrote:

It certainly is a beautiful, vivid colour. 
So one does not need to be a member to get seed from the American Primrose Society seedex?  I'm sure a lot of people will find that good to know.

Yes we're hoping lots of NARGS folks will find this a good reason to try some new Primula! The second round distribution at the end of March is open to all. It gets more seed sold and out into the hands of prospective members. We hope folks will join when they seed what they might miss out on in the first round. You'll find lots more info here http://americanprimrosesociety.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=art...

Margaret Young's picture

Margaret Young

Tue, 11/22/2011 - 5:41am
AmyO wrote:

Lori wrote:

It certainly is a beautiful, vivid colour. 
So one does not need to be a member to get seed from the American Primrose Society seedex?  I'm sure a lot of people will find that good to know.

Yes we're hoping lots of NARGS folks will find this a good reason to try some new Primula! The second round distribution at the end of March is open to all. It gets more seed sold and out into the hands of prospective members. We hope folks will join when they seed what they might miss out on in the first round. You'll find lots more info here http://americanprimrosesociety.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=art...

I've posted this info, plus a link to the APS membership page, to the Scottish Rock Garden Club  Forum's Primula page  ;D

Amy Olmsted's picture

Amy Olmsted

Tue, 11/22/2011 - 5:46am

I've posted this info, plus a link to the APS membership page, to the Scottish Rock Garden Club  Forum's Primula page 

Thanks so much!! ;D ;D ;D