Primulas 2011.

[DaveM]

Always thought weeds were by definition undesirable  , which cowslips and primroses are most certainly not. But then I might be wrong...... .... In contrast to Giles' roadside non-weeds then are some cheery pics below of Primula vulgaris ssp sibthorpii. These are in flower now in woodland edges alongside tracks marking 'major byways' on very old estates here in East Lothian. I have seen similar populations in two areas at least 2 km apart. The huge range of flower colour seen is typical of this subspecies as seen in north-east Turkey (see pics on PrimulaWorld). The typical primrose yellow is present but not dominant - there are many whites and wishy-washy colours as well as strong lilacs through to reds.

The origin of these populations is a mystery to me, as all the 'wild' populations of primrose elsewhere in East Lothian are universally yellow. There is no evidence of x polyantha in these populations and there are no gardens nearby, so I doubt they are escapees. At one of the sites are many hundreds of hybrid daffodils along with some bluebells and snowdrops so it seems that sibthorpii was deliberately planted in these areas. However, why P sibthorpii? It's been suggested to me that one possible route was that plants or seed were brought back by local workers fighting in wars such as that of the Crimea, though I have no evidence yet that this is the case. Interesting Must keep digging. Any thoughts most welcome.

[Giles]

 

[arisaema]

Anyone having success with P. moupinensis in the open garden? Mine more or less finished flowering under the snow

[DaveM]

And a second batch (really slow broadband is making this almost impossible.....

[DaveM]

And the final image - hopefully.....

[arisaema]

Beautiful P. sibthorpii!

Here's a pic of the rather anemic looking P. moupinensis two days after the snow melted, I realize it's not used to -20C and being covered in 2 meter of snow, but still...

[David Nicholson]

Astounding stuff Dave. I can't add to the discussion but I'd love to know the outcome of it.

[Lesley Cox]

Poor P. moupinensis. It looks like a plant I've put a tray of plants on top of, because the planted one wasn't through yet and I needed quick space, then forgot to remove the tray. IT should green up though, even if it remains a little distorted.

[arisaema]

Poor P. moupinensis. It looks like a plant I've put a tray of plants on top of, because the planted one wasn't through yet and I needed quick space, then forgot to remove the tray. IT should green up though, even if it remains a little distorted.

It's started already, the picture is a week old. Still, I had hoped it would have the decency to save at least some flowering until after it had thawed out from below the snow, even a Chinese cabbage would have been better looking than that... lump

[johnw]

Poor P. moupinensis. even a Chinese cabbage would have been better looking than that... lump

One could always stir-fry....

johnw

[Lesley Cox]

I like the white, crunchy parts in a salad, or just to munch on.

[Richard Green]

Its always a pleasure driving up the M11 from Stansted Airport towards Cambridge to visit family in Norfolk at Easter.  The motorway verges and embankments are liberally splattered with cowslips for miles.  I am looking forward to that drive next weekend already!

[Giles]

Dave (M),
This is what grows up my road (grass banks; full sun).
Described affectionately in 'Flora Britannica' as 'Rhubarb and Custard'.
I've never seen white ones here.

[David Nicholson]

Dave-serious point: are the plants you have seen anywhre close to major roads/motorways? Both shades figure strongly on bankings on the A38 dual carriageway down here which must have been amenity sown.

[DaveM]

I do like rhubarb and custard! Plenty white ones in the 2 populations.

David  -  motorway, in East Lothian!!!!  They've only just dualled the A1 and that's 2- 3 miles from either of the 2 localities. Closest a main road gets to either is about a mile.   As you say, to be serious, my examples are on old estates, long since broken up as into smaller farms. One location is now part of a coastal park. Can't think these have been amenity sown.