Scottish Alpine

[frits.kp]

I don't think my Primula scotica should be flowering now but I'm not complaining, there are plenty of resting buds for spring. I will need to research what areas in Scotland still have this lovely Primula growing wild, I would expect the areas are now limited ? I have lots of spring flowering plants flowering six months too early and expect other growers are experiencing the same phenomenon. 

[Lesley Cox]

It is a beautiful species and a little bit tricky for me, in a very dry, sunny, if not very hot garden. But I was thrilled to see some germination in a two-year-old pot, just a few days ago. The parent is alive and about to flower, but I admit it is struggling.

[ichristie]

Hello, we have seen many Primula scotica in nature one of the best areas in neat Thurso at Bettyhill on the coast at Strathy point the plants only grow a few centimeters high and atr tiny the winds are very strong and many sheep graze the area. I send a picture taken at Strathy in early JUly this year, cheers Ian the Christie kind

[frits.kp]

That was kind of you Ian to let me know the location. I confess when I posted the picture with my hint, hint, I was hoping someone may reveal the odd location. Thanks again.
 

[ichristie]

Hello again, when you decide to come to Scotland please contact me and I will give you information abouth other plants to see Mertensia maratima at Dunbeath Lesser Butterfly orchid near Brora. Monesus, Linnea, Centauria, and orchids at Golspie, Gymnadenia and orchids at Glen Loth with other interesting places to visit, you could visit our garden on the way North, cheers Ian.

[TC]

Another excellent site for Primula scotica is Durness, in NW Sutherland.  They grow in the sandy gritty soil on the slopes of the cliffs next to the golf course at Balnakiel bay.
Flowering time is late June to July.
Also in this area are Dryas octopetala - some with double flowers, grass of parnassus, butterwort, saxifrage oppositifolia and about 4/5 species of Orchid.
There is no need to do any climbing to see the plants as they all grow down at sea level.
Another plus point is the scenery.  Beautiful sandy beaches, emerald coloured grass and a sea varying between turquoise and sapphire blue  - when the sun shines.

[alanelliott]

If you are feeling adventurous it grows near Yesnaby NW of Stromness on Orkney.

[frits.kp]

well another big thank you to Ian and of cause your garden would be on the route next year. Also great information off TC and alanelliott, thanks guys