GIANT TIBETAN PRIMROSE Orange, Primula florindae

Primula florindae, the Tibetan cowslip or giant cowslip, is a species of flowering perennial growing to 120 cm (47 in) tall by 90 cm (35 in) wide. The red and delicately scented flowers appear in clusters of 20–40, and are pendent and bell-like.

This plant grows best in very moist conditions as its home is the margins of rivers. It is cold-hardy.

It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Type: Hardy Perennial

Height: 47", 120 cm

Location: shade or part shade

Hardiness zones: 3-9

Note: This plant species is known to cause dermatitis in some individuals.

Seeds per pack: 3

Germination: As with many perennials, these seeds can benefit from a period of moist cold to help them break dormancy. This is done by giving them a cold 'winter' period (artificial or natural), and then a warming to simulate 'spring', and time to grow! Here's how this can be done:

Obtain a planting container that has holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Place the seeds on the surface of your growing medium, and water. Place your container in a cold area (but not freezing, perhaps a refrigerator) for 4-6 weeks. Once the cold period is completed, place the container at room temperature for them to germinate. Be sure to keep the soil moist during this entire germination period. Seedlings will sprout a few weeks, or occasionally several months, after the warming period.

Alternatively, these seeds can also be planted outdoors in fall, winter, or early spring, while temperatures are still cold (but ground is workable) to germinate naturally in spring. Be sure to mark the area where you planted them, and that the soil is consistently moist.