Meandering Missive: A splash of winter colour

Sunday, January 08, 2006

A splash of winter colour

Down the primrose path... ;)

I just wanted to share a very bright, cheery and colourful photo that I took a few days ago. (Click the pic for an even better close-up!) When it comes to winter-blooming annuals, it doesn't get much more festive than primroses! In particular, the various Primula x polyantha hybrids, which are commonly called English primrose or Polyantha primrose. The letter "x" is silent, by the way; it's used to indicate hybridization. Tony will never let me live down the first time I said the Latin name of a hybrid aloud, because I said "times" for the "x" -- as in multiplication! LOL I don't even know what tree, plant or flower it was; I just remember the laughter!

Anyway, this primrose is a good choice for winter landscaping, or even for container gardening. They enjoy being in full sun, but they do NOT enjoy heat, so I wouldn't recommend growing them in the summer -- unless you live in a cool-summer region or have the plants in a cool spot. Most primroses also prefer rich, well-drained soil and regular watering. Some species are fragrant, but I don't think these are (I haven't noticed, anyway).

Mini disclaimer: certain primrose species cause an itchy, poison oak-like reaction on some people's skin, so if you've never planted primroses before, pay attention until you know whether you react or not.

I hope other folks enjoyed this photo as much as I do. :) Something about colourful, pretty flowers always seems to raise my spirits. They also bring to mind a moving quote by Lady Bird Johnson: "Where flowers bloom, so does hope."

Today I am feeling content.

P.S. One -- and ONLY one -- of the primrose flower clusters was "PhotoShopped in" (by me). If you can guess which one doesn't belong, you get a prize!

posted by ScaryShari @ 4:08 PM

3 Comments:

At 11:04 PM, Shari said…

I don't have a guess, but Mike wants to try. He says, "the pink/white with yellow centers in the upper left."

He also says, "they're nice!"
At 1:54 AM, Anonymous said…

This is me, rodluvan writing. I only can be anymous in your blogg. Because I am LJ useer and have not the engergy to be menber in this blogg too, because I should not have time. Of couse I want to comment you but I mean that I have no time to be a real user in Meandedering.

The flowers are wonderful. I like the colours. When I look out of the window in my office I only see forrest in white. Pine covered wiht heavy snow ans white on tyhe ground. No colours. It's winter in Sweden and very cold minus -13C I am longing for the spring colours.
At 5:38 PM, Fran said…

Ok,Ok--I give up Shari! You have me drooling now! I love primroses. I say the yellow ones on the right?! This is just so beautiful. Reminds us of the spring to come. Thanks for stopping by.

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