When to move wild primroses

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Emerion, Mar 26, 2024.

  1. Emerion

    Emerion Gardener

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    I have noticed that some of our wild primroses have produced lots of babies. They are all squashed up together, so would benefit from separating whilst still small. They are about 3 or 4 inches in diameter, with no flowers this year, presumably as they are so small. They are growing under a west-facing hedgebank. I don’t want to put them all back close to where they are, so need to think of a suitable spot. Would now be a good time to divide them? Also, how much shade do they need?
     
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    • Punkdoc

      Punkdoc Super Gardener

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      I would move them, when the others have finished flowering. I find they grow anywhere, as long as there is some moisture available, although they do prefer a little shade.
       
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      • Sian in Belgium

        Sian in Belgium Total Gardener

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        There are loads of small primroses in a gravel area of the family-home garden, and we are hoping to put a small table and chairs there. I was wondering if now would be a good time to pot them up? (Will probably be putting them out with a “free to a good home” notice, as there are so many!)
         
      • Michael Hewett

        Michael Hewett Total Gardener

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        @Sian in Belgium be watchful for vine weevils, they seem to enjoy Primroses in pots.
         
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        • Obelix-Vendée

          Obelix-Vendée Total Gardener

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          Yes @Sian in Belgium move or pot them up now while they're active and can get their roots settled in. The ones here, both wild in the hedgerows and in the garden, tend to disappear from sight as the surrounding plants hide them
           
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          • Mrs. B.

            Mrs. B. Gardener

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            I found one growing in the lawn last year, where it gets the summer sun most of the day. I had to move it, so I plonked it in the border about a foot away - it was in flower, and it stayed in flower. It's huge now. They wouldn't grow in the back garden in sun/shade.
            It seems if they're happy in full sun, plant them in full sun. My mum is inundated with primroses in her hot, dry garden that she never waters. I'm surprised at what grows there!
             
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            • fairygirl

              fairygirl Total Gardener

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              It's sometimes easier to lift a small clump with several plants in it, and then re site that, rather than individual plants, when they're tiny. Then you can divide a clump at a later date once it's a good size.
              I presume it's P.nivalis we're discussing?

              They flower on and off all year round here, and I have them in various sites. Sun isn't a problem if they're happy below ground :smile:
               
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              • On the Levels

                On the Levels Super Gardener

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                Most of our brilliant primroses are in full sun. Each year I do have to be quite forceful with myself and dig up some that are wanting to take over the veg areas. I replant them in other parts of the garden that don't have any and I usually do this at the start of March when they are still small enough and the hope that rain (hope????) will help them establish.
                 
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                • Mrs. B.

                  Mrs. B. Gardener

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                  You've been hoping too hard.. ;)
                   
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                  • Sian in Belgium

                    Sian in Belgium Total Gardener

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                    The pots would just be a method for them to be carried to their new homes….
                     
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                    • shiney

                      shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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                      We find they are tough as old boots and are happy in shade or sun. With wild ones I try to calm them down first :heehee:. Then they transfer at any time. If the ground is dry then they will need watering. We have hundreds (possibly thousands) of them in the garden and move, or pot them up when necessary.
                       
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                      • Mrs. B.

                        Mrs. B. Gardener

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                        Ah @shiney you know the special primrose restraint hold.. that's the best calming method IMO, they never need sedating with that.
                         
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                        • ViewAhead

                          ViewAhead Head Gardener

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                          I have countless (literally) wild primroses, despite never having planted a single one. I am always yanking them out unceremoniously. Seems ungrateful, I suppose, when they are willing to grow almost anywhere without complaint. :)
                           
                        • Goldenlily26

                          Goldenlily26 Super Gardener

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                          Primroses should be lifted, divided and planted out when they have finished flowering.
                          I have a lot growing in a slate path which I am hoping to transfer to the surrounds of the local village green.
                          My problem is my plants seem to flower almost all the way through the year.
                           
                        • fairygirl

                          fairygirl Total Gardener

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                          I often move plants when they're in flower. It isn't usually a problem.
                           
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