Primula Gold Laced - Oxlip

Raised and selected with the goal of perfection, the Primula polyanthus 'Gold Laced', also known as garden primroses group Polyanthus Gold Laced, are rarely offered. These plants offer almost supernatural flowers, carved like baroque jewels. Perfectly arranged around a bright yellow and round centre, their petals of velvet mahogany to nearly black are bordered by a solid gold or silver band, which divides the petal into two equal parts. These perennial rosettes bloom in spring above a rosette of semi-evergreen leaves.

The Primula of the Polyanthus group or Primula x polyantha are hybrids derived from different species (P. eliator, juliae, veris and vulgaris) native to many temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. These perennial plants belong to the large family of primulas, which includes about 400 species. The Polyanthus Gold Laced selection, heir to a long history, represents plants raised to perfection by associations of amateurs during the 17th and 18th centuries. They fell into oblivion at the beginning of the 19th century but resurfaced after the Second World War. The Primula Polyanthus 'Gold Laced' forms plants that are 15 to 23 cm (6 to 9in) in all directions, developing into rosettes of evergreen or semi-evergreen leaves that are 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8in) long, veined, slightly wrinkled, and dark green. They bloom in March-April. The flowers, borne on a thick stem, are grouped in umbels of 3 to 15 flowers with a perfectly round, bright yellow centre. The petals, of rich mahogany to almost black colour, meticulously arranged around the centre, have two perfectly equal areas, separated by a solid gold or silver filament. The flowers are brevistyle, meaning visible stamens are present around the centre.

The garden primrose is versatile and easy to grow, even if it sometimes disappears due to dry summers or severe frosts. It deserves a place in every garden. Colourful, floriferous, and cheerful, it marks the return of spring. In border plantings or containers on a balcony, these little plants are ideal companions for tulips and forget-me-nots. They are perfect in borders, low flower beds under leafy cover, rockeries, and short grass meadows, and among snowdrops and violets. The leaves and flowers are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked.