Fairy primrose

Description

Primula malacoides, called the fairy primrose or baby primrose, is a perennial species of Primula native to the Himalayas, Assam in India, Myanmar, and south-central and south east China. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. This plant usually has purple flowers, although some may have red, white or bright-pink flowers. Their hairy leaves measure at 4-8cm and are a pale-green colour. They usually grow to 30cm across and 20-40cm tall. This species was considered a weed as it would grow on the rice fields of Chinese farmers. This plant was cultivated from a seed by George Forrest in 1908. This species started gain popularity among commercial growers in England. Within a decade, a new strain which was colourful and fragrant was sold commercially in greenhouses in the USA and throughout Europe. This plant can be propagated by seed or by division in late summer. This species is a popular ornamental place and can be used as a houseplant or as a greenhouse plant. It should be grown in fertile, well-drained soil with regular waterings. This plant is prone to infestation by aphids. Signs of infestation may include: honeydew secretion, galls, and distortion of leaves. The leaves may cause irritation. It is advised to wear gloves when handling this plant. This species may also have allergenic properties with symptoms including rashes and headaches. Primula is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the family Primulaceae. They include the primrose (P. vulgaris), a familiar wildflower of banks and verges. Other common species are P. auricula (auricula), P. veris (cowslip), and P. elatior (oxlip). These species and many others are valued for their ornamental flowers. They have been extensively cultivated and hybridised (in the case of the primrose, for many hundreds of years). Primula are native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere, south into tropical mountains in Ethiopia, Indonesia, and New Guinea, and in temperate southern South America. Almost half of the known species are from the Himalayas. Primula has over 500 species in traditional treatments, and more if certain related genera are included within its circumscription. Primula is a complex and varied genus, with a range of habitats from alpine slopes to boggy meadows.