A selection of some of my Japanese forms of Primula sieboldii
The Japanese are passionate about thier native woodland primrose, rarely grown in America, Primula sieboldii. Like many native Japanese plants, their culture in Japan continues to survive in the numerous clubs and enthusiast groups formed for those who collect, breed and exhibit these dainty and sturdy wildflowers. In America, they still are awaiting discovery, but for those who are informed, and who are trying these precious rarities, the rewards are easy and effortless, again, as with many rarer plants, the hardest part may be in fact, finding them to buy. Look for Primula sieboldii, but note, if you Google them, entering thier Japanese name of Sakurasoh, may get you more information. Sakura (cherry blossom), soh…..get it?
A lovely pink snowflake form of Sakurasoh, the Cherry blossom Primrose.
Colors range from White, to pink, to raspberry purple, as in this old Japanese form.
A view of our collection of named Japanese Sakurasoh forms, in the old vegetable garden out back. Almost lost, from a now defunct collection in Connecticut, these named forms are beginning to flourish in the deep, loamy soil of our old vegetable garden, now becoming shaded with tall trees. Thankfully, Primula sieboldii are perhaps the easiest primroses to grow, both emerging late in the spring, and blooming near June 1, this species also spreads gently by rhyzomes, and is never invasive, since it’s habit is to form a neat clump as a colony forms. This is a plant that extends the season of many spring-blooming phloxes, its color range being very similar.
The Japanese form known as Godaisis much like those of a Geisha, shy, blushing, demure.
have 250 named forms can exchange some in the fall
flowerted[at]yahoo.com
If Primula sieboldii are so easy to grow why are the seeds so rare and expensive. I am working my way through the various sources here and at the American Primrose Society website. I found a nice selection at 15 Euros per packet, but that appears to be around $23 plus shipping and handling, far more expensive than paying the $25 to join the APS to get some of their seed packets for $.75 apiece. Am I missing something here?
You may be. I will ask the board at thier next board meeting, which is at my house in two weeks. That doesn’t sound right. The P. sieboldii seeds are usually too common for most members, so like P. japonica, they are as easy as pie, and very common in the exchanges.
That said, there are all sorts of regulations with exporting seed lately, I am spending $40.00 US for on packet of Primula see from Jelitto, ($most are 26 Euros a packet, and three years ago, they we’re 4 euros). I can get you seed if you email me personally with a way to contact, since to be honest, the seed should be sown fresh in July, when they are harvested, for best results.