Primroses are the first flowers of spring, along with daffodils, crocuses and snowdrops. With their brightly colored flowers, they bring color to the dreary landscape. Some even flower when the temperature is around freezing. Does that automatically mean that all primroses are frost hardy?

Most primrose species tolerate frost

Most species tolerate frost

Most types of primula that are available in pots in hardware stores, supermarkets and garden centers in this country are hardy. With the right amount of care, they can live for many years and bloom happily every spring.

But some species, such as the well-known cup primula, tolerate minus degrees less and are not frost-proof. It is advisable to put them indoors to protect them from frost or to cover them with an insulating layer. The well-known cushion primroses and cowslips are hardy in this country.

Protect primroses from severe frost

Primroses that you have already planted in the garden should be protected when a harsh winter is announced. If temperatures drop below -5 °C in the long term, you should have protective materials ready. You can protect your primroses with the following materials, for example:

  • brushwood
  • leaves
  • moss
  • spruce branches
  • bark mulch

Alternatively, you can dig up the primroses, place them in a pot or basket and overwinter at home or in the gazebo. It is important that the wintering place is frost-free but cool. The temperatures should settle between 3 and 10 °C. When overwintering, care should be taken not to fertilize the primroses, but to water them moderately and regularly.

Protect primroses in the pot from frost

If the primroses are in pots on the balcony or terrace, for example, they should be given more attention in winter. The pot could freeze through and the plant could die. In addition, the flowers could freeze at a few degrees below 0. Therefore, these primroses are best wrapped and covered with newspaper when temperatures drop below 0°C.

If it gets colder than -5 °C, the primroses should be placed in the pot. But they shouldn't come into the warm living room. A frost-free but cool place such as the basement or the stairwell is better suited.

Do not plant primroses in frost

Although most types of primula will tolerate frost, they should never be planted on a frosty day. Frozen soil makes planting much more difficult, and the roots of primroses could freeze. Planting is better from 5 °C.

Primroses that you can get from the garden center in January/February should also not be planted outside immediately. It is better to put them indoors first and plant them out from March or slowly acclimate them to the cooler temperatures outside.

tips and tricks

A location close to the house protects the primroses from strong weather influences. In addition, houses radiate a certain warmth from the inside, which is good for primroses in frost.

Category:

Indoor plants