Primula Raesberry Rose - English Primrose

Primula 'Raesberry Rose' is a hybrid primrose distinguished by its intense, almost fluorescent pink colouring and its rather slender flowering stems: it stands out in any spring display! Whether in border plantings or containers, it brightens up the surroundings of the house from the end of winter. Like other primroses, it grows in sun or partial shade in moist, humus-bearing soil.

Primrose 'Raesberry Rose' belongs to the Primulaceae family, which includes many ornamental species from temperate climates. This variety is part of the polyanthus primroses (or polyantha), a group of horticultural hybrids resulting from cross-breeding between Primula vulgaris, veris and sometimes elatior. They form rosettes of low-growing leaves but carry their flowers on elongated stems. 'Raesberry' was selected for the exceptional vibrancy of its flowering. Theoretically a perennial, this primrose is often cultivated as a biennial, particularly in seasonal beds, as it offers more generous and uniform flowering in its first year. 
'Raesberry Rose' was developed by the Belgian hybridiser Rudy Raes, who is also responsible for the famous 'Zebra' series. This cultivar has unique characteristics: single flowers, widely open, 4 to 5 cm in diameter, of an extremely vivid pink, with an intense red central eye that enhances their brilliance. Carried on exceptionally long flowering stems for a primrose (up to 15 cm), they stand out clearly from the foliage. The abundant flowering period lasts from February to April. The foliage forms a dense basal rosette, composed of crinkled, elongated, medium to dark green, 10 to 15 cm long leaves. These leaves are semi-evergreen to deciduous in winter, depending on climatic conditions (they may remain in place during a mild winter but disappear during prolonged frost). The plant reaches 20 cm in height when in flower and spreads 15 to 20 cm. It has a rapid growth rate and flowers in its first growing season.

The 'Raesberry Rose' primrose is a variety with a strong character, standing out in the garden as well as in pots on the balcony. Its fluorescent pink colour loudly heralds the end of winter and the return of spring. This variety pairs particularly well with other primroses like the jade and chartreuse green 'Francisca' or the blue and white striped 'Zebra Blue'. In containers, it can accompany botanical tulips, Prim’Up Ocean Mix’ pansies in shades of blue and white, and forget-me-nots. In open ground, it is perfect for borders, in flowerbeds, under deciduous bushes or in damp rockeries, alongside snowdrops, violets and squills.