Candelabra Primroses, Bog Garden Primulas
Candelabra primulas are majestic perennial plants noted for their eye-catching flowers carried in numerous whorls up their strong stems, like a wedding cake. Very hardy and long-lived, they are happiest in bog gardens, near ponds and streams, and grow well in damp, shady borders.
Candelabra Primula is a common name used to refer to a group of Primrose species known for their layered, or tiered, whorls of flowers that give them a candelabra-like appearance. These plants belong to the family Primulaceae and are native primarily to damp areas in China or Japan.
Habit and Size: Candelabra primulas are majestic perennial plants. They form dense clusters of rosettes of medium green, oblong leaves from which rise flowers carried in numerous whorls up their strong stems, like a wedding cake. It features tall flower spikes with tiers of whorled, tubular flowers arranged in a candelabra-like manner. The flowers come in various colors, such as pink, purple, red, and white. The basal leaves are large and deeply veined, forming an attractive rosette at the base of the plant. They typically reach a height of 1 to 3 feet (30-90 cm), adding architectural height to the landscape.
Flowers: One of the most outstanding features of the Candelabra Primula is its vibrant, bell-shaped flowers. These flowers emerge on tall, erect stalks and create a ‘candelabra’ effect, thus the name. They can range in color from pink and purple to red and occasionally white, depending on the specific variety.
Foliage: The foliage of Candelabra Primula is an attractive, deep green color, providing a beautiful contrast to the brightly colored flowers. The leaves are wrinkly with a slightly hairy texture, adding to the overall visual appeal of this plant.
Blooming Season: Blooming season is usually in late spring or early summer, providing an explosion of color when many other plants are just beginning to grow.
Hardiness: Candelabra Primula are hardy plants that can survive in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8. They prefer part shade and consistently moist soil.
Uses: The striking flowers and lush foliage make them a popular choice for bog gardens, woodland gardens, or around ponds and streams. They also make lovely border plants and are striking in mass plantings.
Pollinators: Candelabra Primula is a magnet for pollinators, attracting bees and butterflies.
Deer and Rabbit: Deer and rabbits tend to avoid these plants, making them a good choice if these animals are common in your area.
Invasiveness: Candelabra primulas are not typically considered invasive plants. They can self-seed and spread in ideal conditions, creating a pretty palette of colors ranging from white, pink, carmine, red, orange, yellow, or purple. However, their growth is generally not aggressive or disruptive enough to be classified as invasive.
| Hardiness |
4 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Genus | Primula |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Loam |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
| Landscaping Ideas | Ponds And Streams |
Candelabra primulas are moisture-loving perennials that prefer cool climates and thrive best in areas where summers are cool and moist. Here are some tips on how to grow Candelabra Primulas:
Site Selection: Choose a location that receives partial shade. They prefer dappled light or morning sun and afternoon shade.
Soil Preparation: Primulas prefer rich, well-draining, humus-heavy soil. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral. You can add compost or manure to enrich the soil before planting.
Planting: Plant the Candelabra Primulas in spring or fall. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is leveled with or slightly below the ground. Fill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the plant.
Watering: These plants love moisture, so make sure they receive plenty of water, especially during dry periods. They thrive in conditions that mimic their natural boggy habitats, so don’t let the soil dry out.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote vigorous growth and abundant flowering.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Dividing: Candelabra Primulas can be divided every 2-3 years in the early spring or fall. This helps to maintain the health and vigor of the plants and also provides a way to propagate new plants.
Pests and Diseases: Candelabra Primulas are generally quite hardy and have few problems with pests and diseases. However, keep an eye out for common problems such as slugs, snails, and vine weevil.
Remember, although they are known as moisture lovers, good drainage is crucial to prevent waterlogged conditions which can lead to root rot. Similarly, while they prefer shaded or semi-shaded areas, they do need some light to flower, so don’t plant them in deep shade.
Candelabra Primulas can provide a unique charm to damp, shaded areas in your garden where few other plants can thrive. Their vibrant and often multicolored blooms can brighten up such spaces wonderfully.
Candelabra Primulas make excellent companions for a range of shade and moisture-loving plants. Here are some plants that make excellent companions for Candelabra Primulas:
Hostas: These leafy perennials thrive in similar conditions to Candelabra Primulas and their broad leaves provide a nice contrast to the tall flower spikes of the primulas.
Astilbes: With their feathery plumes of flowers and fern-like foliage, Astilbes can complement the bold flowers of the Primulas.
Ferns: Various types of ferns, particularly those that thrive in damp and shady conditions, can provide a beautiful backdrop for the vibrant Candelabra Primulas.
Rodgersias: These plants, with their large, architectural leaves and plumes of flowers, make a good foil for Candelabra Primulas.
Iris: Water-loving species of iris, such as Iris sibirica (Siberian Iris) or Iris ensata (Japanese Iris) can accompany Primulas in damp areas of the garden.
Rhododendron and Azalea: Rhododendrons can also be excellent companion plants for Candelabra Primulas. They both prefer acidic, humus-rich soil and semi-shade to shade conditions, making them a good match in terms of cultural requirements. The broad evergreen foliage of Rhododendrons provides a beautiful contrast to the slender stems and vibrant flowers of the Candelabra Primulas. In addition, the flowering times of Rhododendrons and Primulas can overlap, depending on the species and climate, providing a beautiful display in the garden.
Remember, the most important consideration when choosing companion plants is to match their cultural requirements for light, soil type, and moisture levels. Candelabra Primulas prefer damp, humus-rich soils and semi-shade, so their companions should thrive under the same conditions.
By Margaret / Shutterstock
| Hardiness |
4 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Genus | Primula |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Loam |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
| Landscaping Ideas | Ponds And Streams |
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