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Primulaceae (Genus comprising from seventy)

A genus comprising from seventy to eighty species of mostly hardy, alpine, perennial, rhizomatous herbs, natives of Europe and temperate Asia, a few American, one or two found in the mountains of Java, and one in the frigid region of South America. Flowers white, pink, purple, or yellow, umbellately or verticillately racemose, very rarely solitary, involucral-bracted, ebracteolate; calyx tubular, funnel-shaped, or campanulate, often inflated or angular, with five persistent lobes; corolla hypogynous, infundibuliform or hypocrateriform, with a short or elongated tube, and a limb of five flat or concaves, spreading or incurved, imbricated lobes. Leaves all radical, usually obovate-spathulate, rarely orbicular and long-stalked, entire, toothed, or rarely lobed. The various beautiful Auriculas have been derived from P. Auricula. Five of the species are natives of Britain, and include the well-known common Primrose (P. vulgaris), Cowslip (P. officinalis), and Oxlip (P. elatior), of our meadows and woods. The species described in the following pages are hardy, except where otherwise stated.

Primulas are charming and exceedingly useful plants, adapted collectively for various decorative purposes and positions under glass, and also in the open air. In them are represented great diversity of habits and growth, some being very dwarf and slow growing, while others develop and flower as large plants in a comparatively short time. Many of the hardy species are excellent subjects for sunny positions on rockwork; but some that are rare should receive special attention, or be kept in pots in a cold frame. Primulas of any description may be successfully grown in pots, if kept in the proper positions and temperatures which the several species and varieties require. The hardy ones may be kept in cold pits or frames throughout the summer, such as those with a north aspect; in winter, they must also be kept cool, and allowed to rest. Damp is one of the greatest enemies to hardy Primulas in winter, but still their roots must never be allowed to become too dry. All the small alpine species and their varieties should have their crowns kept well above the soil, and be maintained in position by placing pieces of sandstone on either side. This provision against damping applies to those grown in pots, in the open border, or on rockwork: it is always advisable to support the--in many instances, tiny--plants in this way. Varieties of the hardy Primrose are well adapted for naturalising in woods or shady places along with the common sort. A quantity of plants for this purpose may readily be raised from seed, a good strain of which should be secured.

Propagation of the species of Primula is most generally effected by seeds. The varieties of any section seldom reproduce themselves true from seed, and these have therefore to be propagated by cuttings or divisions. Careful division sometimes affords a method of increase amongst rare species when seeds are not procurable, and also more frequently amongst others that are commoner. Seeds of the hardy species are best sown, soon after they are ripe, in shallow pots or pans of light soil; the seeds should be thinly covered, and the pots placed in a cold frame, and kept shaded. When the seedlings appear, they should be placed near the glass, and, in due course, pricked out, or inserted singly in small pots of soil similar to that in which the seeds were sown. P. japonica, one of the finest, strong-growing species, succeeds well in pots for greenhouse decoration, and also when planted on rockwork or in the open border. The seeds of this species should be sown when ripe, and the plants, when raised, grown on to flower the second spring following. As they are very vigorous, rich soil and rather large pots should be provided for them after the first winter has passed. If the flowers appear on plants within a year after the seed has been sown, it is not so desirable as when they can be kept back until starting time, after two winters have passed. P. japonica never requires any fire-heat; all the leaves die down in winter, when the pots may be stored in a cold frame, and kept moderately, but not quite, dry. P. obconica, a pretty and very popular plant, is best adapted for pot culture; it flowers, more or less, in a cool greenhouse or conservatory, nearly all the year. Propagated, in spring, by carefully-made divisions, and by seeds. Another Primula well suited for pot culture in greenhouses is P. cortusoides Sieboldii, of which there are several beautiful varieties, all worthy of more extended culture than they at present receive.

Perhaps the best-known Primula is that which is very generally and extensively cultivated for greenhouse and room decoration from autumn till late in spring, namely, the Chinese Primrose (P. sinensis). Of this beautiful and popular species, there are single and double varieties, but plants of the former kind are more easily grown, and more frequently seen in gardens, than are those of the latter. These Primulas are always most acceptable in winter, when their bright and cheerful flowers appear to best advantage, and suggest the return of spring; at the latter season, however, the plants attain their greatest degree of perfection. To keep a succession of the single ones in flower, the first portion of seed should be sown in March, for growing plants in preparation for the ensuing autumn, and other sowings should be made in April, May, and June. Shallow pans are best for the seed; they should be well drained, and filled with light soil, composed chiefly of leaf mould, with a little loam and sand. The surface may be slightly pressed, to make it even, and the seeds must only be very lightly covered; the pans should then be placed in a warm frame or pit, and kept shaded. A pane of glass, laid over the top of each pan, will prevent rapid evaporation, and watering need not then be frequently practised until germination takes place. The young plants should be left in the seed-pans or pots until ready to pot off singly, unless any of them show signs of damping, in which case they are best pricked off at once in new soil, about 1in. apart, and kept shaded for a few days. In about a fortnight, a cold frame will be the most suitable place, as the plants must be kept near the light, and have plenty of air while growing, to insure what is most essential--a compact, sturdy habit. As the soil in small pots becomes filled with roots, shift on into others 5in. in diameter, a size sufficiently large for Chinese Primulas to flower in. For the final potting, an open and rather rich soil is necessary, consisting of two parts loam to one each of well-decayed manure and leaf mould, a little charcoal or sand being added to insure porosity. The pots should clean, well drained, and perfectly dry when used. Ventilation, watering, and shading, are the principal points requiring attention in the general management. Throughout the summer, a slight shading, or screen from the sun's rays, is necessary through the hottest part of the day: a thick or continuous shading is more injurious than beneficial. Liberal supplies of water are required in summer; but towards autumn, and in the winter, it must be carefully administered. A light, airy house, where the plants may be kept near the glass, is best for these Primulas, when in flower, during the winter or spring; and a temperature of from 50 deg. to 55 deg. is better, at that period, than a higher one. In potting, the plants should be inserted so that their bases just touch the soil when the work is completed; the crowns must not be buried, but, if situated too high, they are always tumbling about afterwards.

Double varieties of P. sinensis must be propagated by cuttings, but some of the semi-double forms reproduce themselves from seed. Old plants, after flowering, should be encouraged to start a little growth, when they may be cut up, and each division inserted as a cutting. Some cultivators surround the base of the stems with leaf mould, into which the roots grow, and, when the divisions are made, plants instead of cuttings are already fit for potting off. Double varieties require culture very similar to single ones after they are established, but they will bear a little higher temperature when flowering.

VARIETIES. Of P. sinensis there are several strains which receive separate names, but, for general purposes, distinct, fimbriated white and red varieties are, if kept separate, sufficient. A greater diversity can, however, be procured by purchasing or saving mixed seeds from good, large, fimbriated flowers. The strain is of great importance, as there are so many inferior ones. All vendors of seed, doubtless, endeavour to supply the best quality; but varieties degenerate so fast, and all the inferior ones produce seed so freely, that the reputed quality is not always to be relied on. P. s. filicifolia alba, filicifolia rubra, fimbriata alba, and fimbriata rubra, are those most commonly grown; other sub-varieties of fimbriata are: Alba Magnifica, Chiswick Red, Coccinea, Marginata, Meteor, Scarlet Gem, Village Maid, and Waltham White. Of double varieties, the old Double White is one of the best and most useful winter-flowering plants grown. There are a few double sorts with coloured flowers; they are very useful for cutting, but are not extensively cultivated.

P. acaulis flore-pleno (double, stemless). A garden name for P. vulgaris flore-pleno.

P. Allionii (Allioni's).* fl. mauve, with a white eye, large, about 1in. across, either solitary or in twos, on very short peduncles. April. l. obovate or sub-spathulate, when fully developed narrowed into a petiole, slightly and irregularly toothed. All parts of the plant, except corolla and capsule, are densely clothed with a short, glandular pubescence. Mountains north of Mentone. (Fl. Ment. 63.) P. tyrolensis, from the Tyrol, is a geographical form of this species.

P. altaica (Altaic.).* fl. mauve or purplish-crimson, with a yellow centre, as large as those of the common Primrose, and numerously produced. Spring. l. obovate, younger ones lanceolate, sinuate-crenate, or nearly entire, obtuse, marked with narrow veins, and slightly mealy. h. 3in. to 5in. Altai, 1819. (P. M. B. xvi. 194.) P. amoena (pleasing). A garden synonym of P. cortusoides Sieboldii. P. Auricula.* Common Auricula. fl. of various colours, but normally yellow, umbellately disposed on many-flowered stalks; tube of corolla gradually widening upwards, nearly three times the length of the bell-shaped calyx. Spring. l. oblong-lanceolate or obovate, more or less minutely glandular-toothed, fleshy, glaucous-mealy. h. 3in. European Alps, 1596. A well-known species.(B. M. 6837; G. M. Ap. 24, 1886; J. F. A. 415; R. G. 194 and 195.) P. Balbisii is a pretty, yellow-flowered form. P. Goblii is a natural hybrid, with brownish-violet flowers. For cultivation, varieties, &c., see Auricula.

P. auriculata (eared).* fl. purplish, with a white eye, five or six in a drooping umbel; corolla tube 1in. to 1 1/2in. long, three times the length of the calyx, the lobes narrower-than those of P. farinosa. Early summer. l. oblong or obovate, smooth, slightly crenate, pale but not mealy beneath. h. 4in. Austrian mountains, 1825. A pretty species, closely allied to P. farinosa, but readily distinguished by its much longer flowers. (B. M. 392, under name of P. longifolia.) P. Balbisii (Balbi's). A form of P. Auricula.

P. Boveana (Bove's).* Abyssinian Primrose. fl. yellow, very numerous, on straight, axillary pedicels; corolla twice or thrice as long as the calyx, with a slightly-constricted throat. March. l., lower ones rosulate, ovate, unequally argutely toothed; upper ones whorled, ovate or ovate-lanceolate, sessile, argutely incised-toothed, acuminate. h. 6in. Mount Sinai, 1826. Greenhouse. (B. M. 2842, under name of P. verticilata.) P. calycina (calycine).* fl. purple, in short-stalked umbels. May and June. l. numerous, sessile, imbricated, oblong or broadly-lanceolate, acute, entire, with a horny, wavy margin, glossy-green above, glaucous beneath. 1938. Alps of Lombardy. (S. B. F. G. ser. i., t. 254, under name of P. glaucescens.) P. Candolleana (De Candolle's). A synonym of P. integrifolia. P. capitata (headed).* fl. deep violet-blue, in dense, round heads 1 1/2in. across, and enveloped in a white, mealy powder; scapes from 6in. to 9in. high. April to June. l. oblong, mealy on the under side, sometimes of a golden hue, finely wrinkled and toothed. Himalaya, 1850. One of the finest species. It makes a fine pot-subject, but will not endure a heated greenhouse. It should be grown in a cold frame, with plenty of air, and may be planted on rockwork where it will not get the midday sun. (B. M. 4550; R. G. 985.) P. Clusiana (Clusius'). fl. bright rose, about 1in. in diameter, in stalked umbels. April and May. l. broadly ovate, slightly pubescent; margins obscurely toothed. h. 6in. to 9in. Tyrol. (J. H. ser. iii. vol. xi. p. 356.) P. cortusoides (Cortusa-like).* fl. deep rose, disposed in umbels; scapes about 6in. long. Early summer. l. large, soft, cordate, almost lobed, crenated, wrinkled, on stalks 2in to 4in. long. h. 6in. to 10in. Siberia, 1794. Very distinct. (A. B. R. i. 7 B. M. 399.) P. c. Sieboldii (Siebold's).* fl. fine deep rose, with a white eye, but very variable, from 1in. to 1 3/4in. across; umbel six to tenflowered. April. l. ovate, the larger ones somewhat cordate at the base, coarsely and irregullarly toothed, 2in. to 3in. long, and nearly as much broad. Root creeping. h. 8in. to 12in. Japan, 1865. A variety larger and handsomer than the type. (B. M. 5528.) SYN. P. amoena (of gardens).

P. Courtii (Court's). A synonym of P. verticillata simensis. P. davurica (Dahurian). fl. pink, with a lemon-coloured eye; corolla hypocrateriform, with obcordate, emarginate lobes; involucre many-flowered. May. l. lanceolate-spathulate, subentire, glabrous, h. 3in. Dahuria, Siberia, 1806. (B. M. 1219, under name of P. intermedia.) P. decora (decorous). A variety of P. viscosa.

P. denticulata (toothed).* fl. bright lilac, small, in dense, round heads or umbels, each blossom being about 1/2in. across, with a prettily-cupped corolla; scape long, somewhat dark-coloured. Spring and early summer. l. oblong-lanceolate, wrinkled, toothed, hairy on both surfaces, and densely so underneath, where they are also more or less covered with a white mealiness. h. 8in. to 12in. Himalaya. A handsome species, thriving best in a moist position, and in leaf mould. (B. M. 3959; B. R. 1842, 47; S. E. B. ii 114.) P. d. pulcherrima is a great improvement on the type; it grows from 10in. to 12in. high, and has a more globular flower-truss, of a deeper lilac colour. P. d. cashmeriana (Kashmir).* fl. light purple, with a yellow eye, small, and densely arranged in globular trusses; scape from 9in. to 12in. high, very stout and mealy, thickening near the top. March to May. l. oblong, serrated, pale green, the under surfaces beautifully covered with a meal resembling gold-dust. Kashmir, 1879. A handsome variety, preferring a moist situation, where it will endure any amount of sunshine. During winter, the crowns are liable, to rot, from the amount of moisture lodging therein; it is advisable, therefore, to place a piece of glass over them. (F. M. n. s. 360; R. H. 1880, p. 330.) P. elatior (taller). True Oxlip. fl. pale yellow, horizontal or drooping, disposed in peduncled umbels; corolla limb concave; throat open, without folds. April and May. l. on winged petioles. h. 1ft. Europe (Britain). This species differs from P. vulgaris in the less inflated calyx, shorter pedicels, and capsule longer than the calyx tube. It is intermediate between that species and P. Officinalis. (Sy. En. B. 1131; B. R. 896 and L. B. C. 1585, under name of P. Pallasii.) P. e. amoena is a pretty form from the Caucasus, with purple flowers. (B. M. 3252, under name of P. amoena.) P. elegans (elegant). A garden synonym of P. sibirica kashmiriana. P. erosa (bitten). fl. in dense, umbellate heads, lavender or purple, covered with meal. Early spring. l. oblong-spathulate or oblanceolate, coarsely and unevenly toothed. h. 4in. to 8in. Himalaya. Similar to P. denticulata. P. farinosa (mealy).* Bird's-eye Primrose. fl. light purple, with a yellow eye, about 1/2in. across, arranged in compact umbels, on a stalk longer than the leaves; corolla tube about equalling the mealy calyx, the lobes narrow and deeply notched. Early summer. l. small, about 1in. long, ovate-oblong, roundly toothed, smooth above, clothed beneath with a white, mealy down. h. 3in. to 12in. Northern and Central Europe (Britain). A little gem; a stiff soil and a damp situation suit it well, and it should be screened from the midday sun. (L. B. C. 1649; Sy. En. B. 1134.) P. f. acaulis is a diminutive variety. P. Fedschenkoi (Fedschenkow's). fl. deep violet-purple, in whorls after the manner of P. japonica. Summer. l. oblong-obovate, hardly crenated, almost sessile. h. 6in. to 9in. Turkestan, 1884.

P. Florkiana (Florke's). See P. minima.

P. floribunda (bundle-flowered).* fl. yellow, small, disposed in whorls, on erect scapes, 4in. to 8in. high. l. stalked, elliptic-lanceolate, toothed, glandular-pubescent. Western Himalayas, 1883. A charming plant. (B. M. 6712.) P. glutinosa (glutinous).* fl. brilliant bluish-purple, with the divisions rather deeply cleft, nearly sessile, clustered. Early summer. l. lanceolate wedge-shaped, obtuse, smooth; margins serrated. h. 4in. South Europe, 1824. A very beautiful and distinct species, rarely seen in cultivation. (J. F. A. v. App. 26.) P. G. blii (G ebl's). See P. Auricula.

P. grandis (large). fl. yellow, on long pedicels, umbellate; scape long. h. 9in. Central Asia, 1878. A distinct species, remarkable only for the large size of its foliage and the smallness of its flowers. (R. G. 968.) P. imperialis (imperial). A synonym of P. prolifera. P. integrifolia (entire-leaved). fl. rose, from one to three on scapes 2in. to 3in. long; corolla deeply lobed; tube longer than the calyx. Spring and early summer. l. elliptic or oblong, entire, smooth, shining, ciliate at the edge. h. 3in. Pyrenees and Switzerland, 1792. An elegant little species. (B. M. 942; J. F. A. iv. 327; L. B. C. 886.) SYN P. Candolleana. P. involucrata (involucred).* fl. creamy-white, with a yellowish eye, disposed in umbels; corolla lobes roundish; involucre membranous, much divided. Spring. l. erect, oblong-lanceolate, bright green, narrowed into the leafstalk. h. 5in. to 7in. North India, 1845. A distinct species, requiring a moist situation; it thrives freely in pots plunged half-way in water. (B. R. xxxii. 31; R. G. 1863, 394.) P. i. Munroi (Captain Munro's).* fl. white, with a yellowish eye, fragrant, in a head on stems 5in. to 7in. high; corolla inflated above the middle, with rounded, two-cleft lobes, more than 1in. across. March to May. l. long-stalked, nearly cordate, obtuse, slightly indented, smooth. h. 6in. to 8in. North India, 1845. (B. R. xxxiii. 15, under name of P. Munroi.) P. japonica (Japanese).* Japanese Primrose. fl. variously coloured, crimson, maroon, lilac, rosy-pink, or white, with a differently-coloured eye, and about 1in. in diameter; scapes from 1ft. to 2ft. high, bearing five or six many-flowered whorls. Spring. l. large, oblong-spathulate, coarsely irregularly and sharply-toothed, sessile. h. 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. Japan, 1871. One of the most beautiful hardy perennials in cultivation. It makes vigorous growth in moist, shady spots, in deep, rich loam. The seeds sometimes take a considerable time to germinate; they come up quickly, however, if sown so soon as they are ripe. (B. M. 5916.) P. Kaufmanniana (Kaufmann's). fl. glossy-violet, in two whorls of from ten to eighteen, almost 1in. broad. Summer. l. softly pubescent, long-stalked, orbicular, with a deeply cordate base, lobed; lobes irregularly serrated. h. 6in. to 12in. Turkestan, 1883.

P. luteola (yellowish).* fl. pale or sulphur-yellow, deepening to a golden-yellow about the throat, numerously disposed in compact, roundish heads, elevated on tall scapes usually about 1ft. in height. Summer. l. oblong, 6in. to 12in. long, narrowed towards the base and toothed at the margin. h. 1 1/2ft. to 2ft. Caucasus, 1867. A handsome species, requiring a moist situation in full exposure. (R. G. 541.) P. marginata (margined).* fl. violet-rose, with a mealy throat; scape many-flowered. April and May. l. oblong or obovate, deeply and unequally toothed; margins silvery from mealy dust. h. 2in. to 4in. Switzerland, 1777. A very pretty and distinct species. (B. M. 191; Fl. Ment. ii.; L. B. C. 270.) There is a form known as major, which is larger in all its parts, and has deeper-coloured flowers, than the type.

P. minima (least).* Fairy Primrose. fl. usually rose, but sometimes white, comparatively large, generally nearly 1in. across, solitary, but sometimes twin. Summer. l. wedge-shaped, nearly square at the ends, about 1/2in. long, smooth, shining, toothed at the top. h. 1 1/2in. South Europe, 1819. A very small-growing species, requiring a sandy-peat and loam soil. (B. R. 581; L. B. C. 315.) P. Florkiana is like this; it is a hybrid, of which P. minima is one of the parents.

P. mistassinica (Lake Mistassini). fl. red; corolla hypocrateri-form, with obcordate, sub-emarginate lobes; involucre one to eight-flowered. June. l. veined, spathulate, dentate or crenate, obtuse or acute, glabrous, sub-coarctate at base. h. 3in. North America, 1818. (B. M. 2973; H. E. F. 68. ) SYN. P. pusilla (B. M. 3020; L. B. C. 1726).

P. mollis (soft).* fl., calyx and corolla tube red, the spreading limb deep rose, with a dark blood-coloured ring round the eye; scapes 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. high, bearing three or four whorls of blossoms, each of which is nearly 1in. across. May. l. long-stalked, cordate, hairy on both surfaces, the petioles clothed with spreading white hairs. Bootan, Himalaya, 1854. A very distinct and rare species. (B. M. 4798.) P. nivalis (snowy).* fl. pure white, freely produced in large trusses on stems as high again as the leaves; corolla lobes obcordate. Spring. l. obovate or spathulate, ciliated, smooth, flat, sharply and irregularly toothed. h. 4in. to 9in. Caucasus, &c., 1790.

P. n. farinosa (mealy). l. mealy beneath. Central Asia, 1878. P. n. longifolia (long-leaved). fl. dark violet. l. ovate-oblong to lanceolate-oblong. Central Asia, 1878. (R. G. 930.) P. n. turkestanica (Turkestan). fl. rose, generally in two dense whorls, and about 1in. in diameter. l. oblong, flat, obtuse, smooth above, white below. h. 6in. Turkestan, 1878. One of the handsomest varieties in cultivation. (R. G. 930.) P. obconica (obconical).* fl. pale lilac or purplish, drooping, umbellate; calyx between campanulate and funnel-shaped; corolla with a cylindric tube and a flat limb 1in. in diameter. Spring and summer. l. radical, many, petioled, broadly ovate-oblong, cordate or rounded-cordate, the margins lobulately toothed or nearly entire. h. 6in. to 12in. Central China, 1882. (G. C. n. s., xix. 121; Gn., Sept., 1884.) SYN. P. poculiformis (B. M. 6582). P. officinalis (officinal). Cowslip; Palsywort. fl. bright yellow, in terminal umbels, hanging more or less to one side; calyx lobes obtuse; corolla limb cup-shaped. Spring and summer. l. generally smaller than those of the common Primrose, much narrowed towards the base, thickly pubescent with short, stiff hairs. h. 4in. to 12in. Europe (Britain), West Asia. A well-known plant, from which the Polyanthus (P. variabilis) is supposed to have originated. (Sy. En. B. 1130; L. B. C. 1597, under name of P. inflata.) SYN. P. veris. See also Polyanthus.

P. o. elatior duplex (taller, double). A curious garden form, with a petaloid calyx.

P. o. macrocalyx (large-calyxed). A garden form, with the calyx foliaceous, and abnormally developed.

P. Palinuri (Palinuri). fl. bright yellow, with a Cowslip-like perfume and a funnel-shaped corolla, disposed in a drooping umbel at the top of the powdered scape. April and May. l. broad-spathulate, smooth, sharply and unequally toothed, bright pale green, almost as large as those of young Cabbages. h. 6in. to 9in. Palinuri, Southern Italy, 1816. A vigorous-growing and distinct species. (B. M. 3414; H. E. F. 118.) P. Parryi (Parry's).* fl. bright purple, with a yellow eye, nearly 1in. across; scapes long and stout, bearing about a dozen fine large blossoms in a panicle at the top. Spring. l. erect, narrowly obovate-oblong, obtuse or sub-acute, sessile or narrowed into the very broad petiole, obscurely toothed or entire, 5in. to 9in. long. h. 6in. to 18in. Rocky Mountains, 1865. A beautiful, large species. (B. M. 6185.) P. poculiformis (cup-shaped). A synonym of P. obconica. P. praenitens (very glossy). A synonym of P. sinensis. P. prolifera (proliferous). fl. yellow, 1/2in. in diameter; scape tall, bearing several whorls of flowers. l. large, obovate-oblong, denticulated along the margins. h. 6in. to 24in. Himalaya and Java, 1884. A very distinct and pretty species. (B. M. 6732; R. G. 1204.) SYN. P. imperialis. P. pubescens (downy). fl. rosy-crimson, in very large heads. April. l. obovate-oblong, dentate-serrate at apex, the margins densely glandular-ciliate. h. 3in. to 6in. South Europe, 1800. A fine hybrid, of which P. Auricula is one of the parents. (R. G. 1198A.) P. pusilla (weak). A synonym of P. mistassinica.

P. rosea (rosy).* fl. bright rosy-carmine, with a yellow eye, nearly 1in. across disposed in heads of from six to ten blossoms, on stout scapes 4in. to 6in. high. Spring. l. pale bright green, smooth, 3in. to 6in. long, in shape resembling those of the common Primrose, but not wrinkled; edges slightly serrated and crimped. h. 4in. Kashmir, 1879. A handsome species, with a neat habit. (B. M. 6437; F. M. n. s. 360.) P. sapphirina (sapphire-coloured).* fl. pale blue, borne on slender scapes 1in. to 2in. high. l. spathulate-obovate, obtuse, toothed, disposed in rosettes about 1/2in. in diameter. Sikkim (at 13,000ft. to 15,000ft. elevation), 1884. A minute species. (G. C. n. s., 1884, xxi. p. 545.) P. scotica (Scotch).* fl. rich purple, with a yellowish eye; tube of corolla about equalling the calyx and twice as long as the lobes; umbel few-flowered. June. l. obovate-lanceolate, toothed, even, powdery on both sides. h. 2in. to 4in. Scotland. A lovely little species, very like P. farinosa, but smaller, and proportionately stouter. (L. B. C. 652; Sy. En. B. 1135.) P. sibirica (Siberian). fl. red; corolla campanulate, the segments lanceolate-ovate or lanceolate, acute or slightly obtuse; involucre three to five-flowered. May. l. slender, flat, smooth, obovate, entire, obtuse, very glabrous, long-petioled, with undulated margins. h. 3in. Siberia, 1818. (B. M. 3167.) P. s. integerrima is a variety with very entire leaves. (B. M. 3445.) P. s. kashmiriana (Kashmir). fl. rosy-lilac, in stalked umbels. June. l. long-stalked, ovate-elliptical. h. 6in. Western Himalaya, 1879. A handsome, glabrous species. (B. M. 6493.) SYN. P. elegans, of some gardens. P. sikkimensis (Sikkim).* fl. pale yellow, nearly 1in. long and more than 1/2in. across, numerously disposed in large umbels, which sometimes produce as many as sixty blossoms; scapes from 1 1/2ft. to 2ft. high. Summer. l. rough, wrinkled, obovate-oblong, obtuse, bidentate, attenuated into a footstalk. h. 1 1/2ft. to 2ft. Sikkim Himalaya, 1850. (B. M. 4597.) P. sinensis (Chinese).* Chinese Primrose. fl. white or pale lilac, normally small, the edges of the limb quite smooth, with a terminal notch in each segment. Spring. l. fleshy, with sinuated edges and hairy surface. h. 9in. China, 1820. Greenhouse. (B. M. 2564; H. E. F. 105; L. B. C. 916, 1926; L. C. B. 7; R. G. 1861, 346.) SYN. P. praenitens (B. R. 539). Of this now very extensively-grown species, a considerable number of varieties, differing both in foliage and flower characters, have originated in gardens. There is a good strain of double forms, with a rather large range of colour variation. One is represented.

P. spectabilis (showy). fl. deep rosy-purple, six to eight in an umbel; scape 3in. to 4in. high. July. l. elliptic, thick and fleshy, with entire, cartilaginous margins. h. 4in. Eastern Alps, 1879.

P. s. Wulfeniana (Wulfen's).* A form with more pointed leaves than those of the type.

P. Steinii (Stein's).* fl. bright purple, very shortly stalked. April and May. l. spathulate-obovate, toothed. A handsome hybrid (of which P. minima is one of the parents), of very dwarf, densely-tufted habit. (R. G. 991,f. 1-3.) P. Stuartii (Stuart's).* fl. rich golden-yellow, in many-flowered umbels. Summer. l. nearly 1ft. long, broadly lanceolate, smooth above, mealy below, sharply serrated. h. 9in. to 18in. Northern India, 1845. A handsome and vigorous-growing species, requiring a good, light, and deep soil. (B. M. 4356.) P. suffrutescens (sub-shrubby). fl. rosy-purple, with a yellow eye, 1in. in diameter, disposed in umbels. Spring. l. narrow, cuneate-spathulate, 1 1/2in. to 2in. long, toothed at the apex. Stems long, straggling, somewhat woody. California, 1884. A pretty rockwork plant.

P. tyrolensis (Tyrol). See P. Allionii.

P. variabilis (variable), of Goupil. A hybrid plant, which not unfrequently occurs wild in Britain, in company with its two parents, the Primrose and the Cowslip. It is often taken for the true Oxlip (P. elatior). P. venusta (charming). fl. purple; corolla thrice as long as the calyx; involucre much shorter than the pedicels; scape glabrous. April. l. ovate, dentate, serrate, or almost entire, glabrous on both surfaces. h. 3in. Hungary, 1833. (B. R. 1983.) P. veris (spring). A synonym of P. officinalis.

P. verticillata simensis (whorled, Simen).* fl. yellow; scape bearing two or three tiers or whorls of flowers, the stalks of which measure some 2in. in length; the whorls provided with spreading, leafy bracts, those in the lower whorls being the largest, measuring 4in. to 5in. long, and 1 1/2in. broad; corolla salver-shaped, with a tube nearly 2in. long, dilated at the upper extremity, the lobes notched. Spring. l. oblong-lanceolate, 8in. to 10in. long, covered with white, mealy powder, especially on the lower surface, irregularly dentate. h. 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. Abyssinia, 1870. A very desirable, greenhouse species. (B. M. 6042.) SYN. P. Courtii.

P. villosa (villous). A synonym of P. viscosa.

P. viscosa (clammy).* fl. rosy-purple, with a white eye, disposed in umbels on viscid scapes; corolla lobes cordate, gashed, the tube twice as long as the bell-shaped calyx. Early summer. l. obovate or sub-orbicular, with closely-set teeth, dark green, covered wtih gladular hairs, and viscid on both sides. k. 2in. to 4in. Pyrenees, 1768. A handsome species. See Fig. 286. (B. M. 14; J. F. A. v. App. 27; L. B. C. 182; R. G. 656.) SYN. P. villosa. P. decora is a slight variety of this species (B. M. 1922; L. B. C. 1480.) P. v. latifolia (broad-leaved). fl. violet, with mealy throat and calyx, fragrant; umbel from one to twenty-flowered. Early summer. l. obovate or oblong, sometimes 4in. long, and nearly 2in. broad, serrately toothed from middle upwards, ciliate, hairy on both surfaces. h. 4in. to 8in. Pyrenees, 1820. (Fl. Ment. 12; R. G. 122.) P. v. pedemontana (Piedmont).* fl. rosy-purple, with a yellowish-white eye, collected into a dense head, on scapes from 2in. to 4in. in height; throat of corolla not farinose. Spring. l. oblong or ovate, obsoletely repand-toothed, with fimbriated margins. h. 6in. Piedmont, 1826. (B. M. 5794.) P. vulgaris (common).* Common Primrose. fl. usually pale yellow, with a flat limb; calyx tube inflated, five-angled; lobes acuminate; umbels sessile, giving the appearance of being solitary. Spring. l. tufted, sessile. h. 3in. Europe (Britain). (Sy. En. B. 1129.) There are numerous garden forms of this species (frequently met with under the name of P. acaulis), a double-flowering one being represented.