We know them in a variety of colors in bloom. Whether on the window sill in the living room, in the window box or in the garden bed, primroses bring spring fever. But what happens to them in winter? Do they tolerate frost?

Potted primroses should be brought in from temperatures below -2°C

Primroses - a few species are sensitive to frost

Primroses cover a wide range of species. Depending on the species, they inhabit the high mountains of Europe and Asia, regions of the Arctic, the tropics or other areas. This results in considerable differences in tolerance to low temperatures.

The primroses, which come from the tropics, are not frost hardy and should be housed in this country over the winter. Well-known types of primula, such as the cup primula, are only slightly frost-resistant. On the other hand, cushion primroses, cyclamen and cowslips cope well with frost.

From -5 °C it becomes critical

With most primroses, it becomes critical when the thermometer reading falls below -5 °C. The rhizomes lying in the ground survive these sub-zero temperatures. But the flower buds, which like to open between January and April, do not tolerate such low degrees well.

To protect them, it is enough to cover the primroses with some newspaper. As soon as temperatures rise again, the newspaper can be removed. This is the only way for the flowers to have a chance to open.

Protect sensitive primroses in the bed

Primroses that are in the garden bed should be protected in harsh winter times. Various materials can be used to protect them. A mixture of leaves and brushwood has proven itself. Other suitable materials are:

  • fleece
  • compost soil
  • Spruce or fir branches
  • moss
  • bark mulch

Potted primroses should always be protected in winter

Potted primroses can be kept outside on the balcony or terrace or inside over the winter. For wintering outside:

  • Place the pot against the wall of the house (protection from freezing rain, snow, east wind, etc.)
  • Wrap the pot with fleece or newspaper

For wintering indoors:

  • Put primroses in from temperatures below -2 °C
  • don't put it in the living room
  • suitable places: garage, basement, attic, hallway
  • Keep soil moderately moist
  • do not fertilize

tips and tricks

If you buy primroses in winter, you should not plant them immediately. Since they spent most of the time in the warm greenhouse, they have to get used to the lower outside temperatures slowly. Otherwise, they get a Frost Shock.

Category:

Indoor plants