Primroses Winter 1994 Volume 52, No. 1 American Primrose Society - Winter 1994 PRIMROSES In this issue Quarterly of the American Primrose Society A Message from the President 3 A Message from the President Board of Directors' Meeting 4 Winter 1994 Czechoslovakian Primulas 5 Volume 52, Number 1 In this the first quarterly of the new year, and, thankfully, did not end up in the dump or by Fred Knapp I would like to thank our editor, Maedythe melted down for scrap metal. Plant Portrait 8 Martin, for the fine job done on the Fall 1993 Editor: Maedythe Martin A Surprise "Orchid" Primrose, issue. We, in the society, owe a great deal to 951 Joan Crescent, Old letters, slides, photographs and trophies are Victoria, B.C. CANADA V8S 3L3 Primula vialii 9 our editor for such an excellent publication. out there. Let's hear from you about them. A by Gordon Emerson (604)370-2951 Both the content and the color presentation in pair of old gooseberry scales is missing. Please Slide Library Programs 10 Designer: Rebecca Nolle the last issue were outstanding. write to tell me of any historical information Corrections and Apologies 10 you have or know about. Beginner's Corner 11 The quarterly bulletin is a real credit to our EDITORIAL DEADLINES Primrose Readers-Help! Update 12 society, thanks to the many contributors. The TRIP TO ASIA Winter issue ... December 1 My Barnhaven Elizabethan Primroses 13 fall issue was very attractive with the superb Lastly, I'd like to know if you are interested in a Spring issue ... March 1 by Jacqueline Giles photographs and fascinating article by Paul proposed trip to Asia to see Primula in the wild. Summer issue ... June 1 Growing Auriculas-My Way 15 Held, APS member from Connecticut. Let's This requires a definite commitment on our part Fall issue ... September 1 by Dorothy Springer see more of this high calibre of contribution. if we are to ask an experienced guide to Show Dates 16 accompany us. Trips have been planned in the PHOTOGRAPHIC CREDITS Under the Overhang 17 The society has many requests for color past and fallen through. The year after next, Special thanks to Deborah Rutman for the by Rick Lupp photographs in every issue. This would be great 1996, is proposed but I must know how many attractive photographs from Prague and the APS Bookstore 18 — after all, primula deserve to be shown in want to go before plans are made. Please High Tatras. Deborah is not particularly a Sybil McCulloch 18 color all the time — but the expense is contact me or Thea Foster, corresponding primrose enthusiast but she was in East News from the Chapters 19 considerable. Each issue with a color cover and secretary, if you are interested and would like Slovakia in mid-1993, traveling near the Notes from the Editor 20 inside color photographs cost an extra $ 1,500, the APS to sponsor the trip. places visited by Fred Knapp. From the Mailbox 21 over and above normal printing costs. At this Primula Seed Sources 23 rate, our bank balance would soon deteriorate. Spring shows are upon us — the joyous results Photographs on pages 6 (inset) and 15 are Seed Exchange List 25 However, we can afford to have a color issue of years of preparation and care. Do participate, from the APS files. Journal Report 32 every year, maybe more often. lend a hand, and enjoy. An Index to the Quarterly (Notice) 33 A SPECIAL THANKS Alaska Garden Show 33 The society executive pays attention to all your To a successful year. Thank you to Cy and Rita Happy for all their Officers of the Chapters 38 letters requesting information on growing help with the quarterly. Officers...... 39 primula, on sources of plants and seeds, for John Kerridge, book lists. Thea Foster, corresponding President <* secretary, is kept very busy with letters sent because of several recent newspaper and journal articles. These letters, hopefully, will bring new ON THE COVER APS members. Color Issue PRIMROSES (ISSN 0162-6671) is published Old-fashioned primroses once again, appear to quarterly by the American Primrose, Primula Still Available! be special interest to primrose growers. The APS HISTORICAL MATERIAL and Auricula Society, 9705 SW Spring Crest cover shows some of the old-fashioned flower I am trying to collect the society's historical Dr., Portland, OR 97225. Second-Class forms recreated by Peter Atkinson in his postage paid at Hillsboro, OR and additional material together in an organized manner, to 50th Anniversary Issue hybridizing program. The large background mailing offices. make it available for reference. At least we can photo is a Feather or Shag with long narrow know what exists and where the material is Eight Pages of Excellent Color Photos calyx separations carrying the flower color, and located. I have Florence Bellis' original notes Order from the Treasurer POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the inset photo is a Hose-in-Hose of fine, made when compiling her book, and also some Addaline Robinson Primroses, 9705 SW Spring Crest Dr., upright form. Jacqueline Giles describes her Portland, OR 97225 correspondence describing her original 9705 SW Spring Crest Dr. success growing traditional or old-fashioned 4Cowichan' polyanthus hybridizing. The lead Portland, Oregon 97225 primroses in an article in this issue. plates from which the illustrations in the early quarterlies were made have been kept safely American Primrose Society - Winter 1994 American Primrose Society - Winter 1994 Board of Director's Meeting Czechoslovakian Primulas Held October 9, 1993 at Chehalis, Washington by Fred Knapp

This is a summary of the board meeting. have a show, but will hold a plant sale, date to be This past summer the New England Wild announced. The National Show will be held April 9- Flower Society offered a plant exploration trip Corrections to the minutes: membership and the 10 at the Beaverton Mall. The Tacoma Chapter will to Czechoslovakia, led by Paul Martin Brown. financial year in APS run from January to December. hold a show April 9-10. The Vancouver group As outlying members (New York) we had Board membership is from April to April. reports good attendance at its meetings held every already been on several good trips with Paul two months. The treasurer was unable to attend and no report was under NEWFS auspices, and thought this would given. The editor sent a report on the next issue, Thea Oakley was appointed librarian for the society. be a marvelous opportunity (probably our only which will contain color photographs. There will be She brought some books on primulas to demonstrate lifetime chance) to see the area with knowledge- an additional $ 1,500 cost for printing and photograph what can be made available to members. able guidance and with administrative problems reproduction to the cost of a regular black and white solved by other hands. This was our first trip to Fred Knapp of New York State has accepted the mainland Europe, so we had no idea what to position of director of the society. expect of the flora and still do not know to what The Judging Committee reported that there will be degree its fantastic bounty is unique to the area judges training in the spring. Herb Dickson Micro-propagation was again discussed. The society or typical of other European areas of similar suggested that judges develop a specialty in three has agreed to proceed with the propagation of one areas: Vernales section, Auricula section and other named auricula. This will be a trial effort, and plants climate and topography. species. will be available to members only. Czechoslovakia is now an anachronistic term; Marie Skonberg, Seed Exchange coordinator from Dorothy Springer has received very few responses to the area has been split approximately 60-40 into Alaska, attended the board meeting and reported that her request for plant descriptions of P. x 'Juliana" to the western Czech Republic and eastern seed is being donated. Barnhaven has been very be included in the register. She once again sends a Slovakia or Slovak Republic, It is several years generous. Marie is seeking new sources of seed and plea for the cooperation of all members. since Communism gave up its grip on the area. would appreciate any information from the APS Border crossings — Austrian or inter-republic membership. Further suggestion on an APS video include: Herb Dickson on primrose culture from seed, Bodil Leamy — are non-events similar to U.S./Canada, or Chapters reported. Washington State Chapter will on root cutting, Cy Happy on division of plants, even easier. We are not into travelog nor social The roofs of Prague greet the traveler to hold a show April 16-17, 1994. Eastside will not comment in this article but can say that there Czechoslovakia. Continued on page JO were many surprises, many problems now paltry in retrospect, and many plants — none paltry. There were even a few primulas! even stronger than that, however, for there was usually an equal part of Colchicum autumnale The trip dates, June 25 to August 14, 1993, foliage — the third wave of bloom for autumn. APS National Show precluded primulas in bloom in the areas we visited. Despite this, Primula elatior was a One of our standard reactions to plant tours of Oregon Primrose Society and Valley Hi Chapter, Co-sponsors different parts of the U.S. is, "Maybe we should Plant Show, Plant Sale, Annual Banquet (Saturday Evening) dominant influence in nearly every site. In any grassy meadow or field and most woodlands, at retire to this area?" It's easy to put Czechoslo- all altitudes other than alpine — everywhere P. vakia on the list. The identity of these plants — APRIL 9, 1994: 10AM TO 6PM I had expected P. veris to be more common in APRIL 10, 1994: NOON TO 5PM elatior leaves were a large part of the herba- ceous understory. Sometimes one wished for a such profusion, primarily on the grounds of Location: Beaverton Mall machete to cut back the pesky Dactylorrhizas familiarity — was uniformly assigned by each 3205 S.W. Cedar Hills Blvd., Beaverton, Oregon and Gymnadenias to find the primulas (minor of our several Czech botanists in various parts of the trip. exaggeration). For more information and banquet reservation forms, contact: Thelma Genheimer or Etha Tate It made me jealous to stand, in July, in the midst Primula farinosa is a great favorite among U.S. 7100 S.W. 209th Ave. 10722 S.E. 40th Ave. primula seed growers, along with P.fmndosa, of unaccustomed color and variety, and then to Beaverton, OR 97007 Milwaukee, OR 97222 realize that this was no mere summer phenom- its close cousin. For those who, like me, are not enon but a second wave following an earlier For plan! sale consignments, contact Thelma Genheimer great profusion of primulas. The reaction was American Primrose Society - Winter 1994 American Primrose Society - Winter 1994

Chechoslovakian Primulas continued botanist had sneered that there were no plants Due south of the High Tatras, halfway to the there — I thought him a prejudiced and tasteless southern border of Slovakia, is a central area, sure of the difference nor lowlander until I later read some promo material the Muranska Planina or Muran Plains, of the valid results of which admitted that "purists" dislike the irregular terrain, karsty, with limestone cliffs purchased seed, there is a concrete steps and railings which prevent and outlooks from 900 to 1,400 meters. It is a great color plate in John people form jostling each other over the side. protected land reserve with restrictions on use Richards' new book Always believe your local botanist! I'm glad and access. Here lives Daphne arbuscula, an Primula. We saw P. we did! endemic. All its other homes are artificial. farinosa in only one spot, Many outlooks are in the neighborhood of 1,200 a sunny sub-montane wet Around the chair lift terminus were such typical - 1,300 meters, and we were shown D. meadow. Here grassy or, alpines as Silene acaulis, Salix sp., Pulsatilia arbuscula on east-facing cliffs in such an area. I suppose, more properly alba, Chrysanthemum alpina, Soldanelkt Nearby was a familiar friend, P. auricula, with sedgey, tussocks of carpatica or perhaps 5. hungarica (didn't other alpine/sub-alpines such as Dryas sphagnum made a check), and Sedum acre. Finally, our least octopetala and Draba aizoon and even glistening net of water- experienced member found the toothy little fans Gentiana clusii. Another good day! We also ways just big enough to of Primula minima. That certainly made the saw P. auricula on roadside cliffs at lesser soak an unwary foot poked day. Having taken a fix on P. minima, we altitudes in the general area. through the mask of found plenty more around the tarn when we foliage. Nearly every returned to the way-station at 1,751 meters. The original intent of this article was merely to tussock had its rosette of This day was a great success and, as it was report that we saw four species of primulas in P. farinosa perched on heavily fogged in above the end of the chair lift, Czechoslovakia. If you want to understand why sphagnum. Some we missed nothing by not seeking the view it took so long to get it reported, take a trip over companion plants (to fill from the very top. there yourself and see if you don't come back out the impression of the Primula auricula (inset) with the same problem! *** area) were Eribphorum was discovered high in the Photo In 1). Kelmun latifolium, Pinguicula Tatras mountains. vulgaris, Equisetwn palustre, Caltha palustris, Pedicularis palustris, and Dactylorrhiza majilis. called Gerlack, Stalin Peak or Franz Joseph Our friends P. elatior and C. auturnnale were Spitze depending on the fortunes of empire. still around on the larger dryer tussocks. I make that 8,711 feet, but it is elsewhere listed The Carpathian Mountains form a huge at 8,735 and/or 8,737 feet. The Tatras are not irregular arc of about 900 miles and almost 270 inaccessible, but neither are they akin to the degrees, stretching northeast from Bratislava Beartooth Pass or Rocky Mountain National along the approximate Czech/Slovak border, Park. One does not drive to the top. thence to the east along the Slovak/Polish border, and then making a great swoop south With 15 people of mixed vigor and limited time and west through the middle of Rumania to our leaders chose Lomnicky Stit, a mere 2,632 plant their foot on the banks of the Danube at meters but furnished with gondola and chair the Rumania/Yugoslavia border. Halfway lifts. We left our bus at the gondola base about across the Slovak Republic is the area called the 900 meters, took the gondola to a small lake, High Tatras, long a target for alpine plantsmen, with hiking trails, at 1,751 meters. From there, skiers and hikers. six or seven of us took the chair lift to 2,190 meters or 7,185 feet. The region is primarily granitic, contains the highest peaks in the Carpathians and is set out a For us two this would have been exciting by bit to the south of the main run of the range. It itself as the gondola ride was steep, and the is only 16 miles wide. The highest peak, at chair lift our very first encounter with such! 2,655 meters, is Gerlachovsky Slit, variously There is a gondola to the tippy top, but our At the foot of the Tatras lies the 13th century walled town Levoca. American Primrose Society - Winter ]994 American Primrose Society - Winter 1994 Plant Portrait A Surprise "Orchid"

PRIMULA SECUNDIFLORA hybrids have been found. Regardless of its Primrose, Primula vialii Purple, reddish purple, crimson, deep rose, red, designation, the plant has proved to be long- Photo and story by Gordon Emerson plum, wine. These terms have all been used to lived with an evergreen rosette of 5 to 7 inch describe the color of Primula secundiflora. The leaves and a short, thick rhizome. The flower During an initial surge of interest in the genus color is difficult to define, but the understated stem rises to 12 to 18 inches and carries a Primula I tried a score or more species, elegance of the plant in a shady garden is secund (one-sided) whorl of 4 to 20 pendant, including P. vialii — it and more — without obvious. flaring, bell-shaped flowers. This species much permanence. usually blooms in June. Primula secundiflora was discovered by As I recall, I first purchased two or three plants Delavayi in 1884 in Yunnan. The first plants in Primula secundiflora is found in the alpine and of P. vialii from a mail order source. The plants cultivation bloomed in Veitch's nursery in 1905 subulpine regions of China and Tibet in survived the summer without blooming and from a Wilson collection in 1904. It was given swampy places on limestone ground and clay- vanished over winter. Next I raised some plants the Award of Merit in the same year. slate. Plants are usually found in humus-filled from seed. One or two flowered before depressions at the edges of groups of rhododen- dissolving in the late summer heat. Perhaps it Most authorities place P. secundiflora in the drons. Therefore, in cultivation, the plants need had been an excessively wet (or dry) summer. Sikkimensis section. In his recent book John fertile, humus-rich soil in partial shade. The We have both kinds in northeastern Ohio. I Richards roots need a cool root run, but one that is not forget which; this was 12 to 15 years ago. chooses to waterlogged. Plants are fully hardy and align it with resistant to winter wet, providing the soil Late spring last year, 1992, in the course of the Proliferae drainage is good. browsing the left-overs on the next to last day of group, stating Bluestone Perennials' week-long end-of- that the only It is easy to grow P. secundiflora from fresh shipping season clearance sale I picked up a natural hybrid seed, although rarely does it seed itself in the four-cell tray of tiny primrose seedlings labelled known is with garden. Like members of the Proliferae section, simply "Orchid." I presumed these to be P. x Primula vialii in Gordon Emerson's garden. P. poissonii. the seed has a short viability. Vegetative 'Juliana1. The largest of the more than dozen No garden division should be done in the spring. seedlings had leaves no more than one half inch Nor was I suspicious at first this spring. Only long. when flowers failed to appear as 'Wanda' and Primula secundiflora is one of those plants in her relatives came on did I pay closer attention, a shady garden that a visitor might not notice I had earlier prepared a bed in anticipation of noting, for example, the more upright hold of immediately. It doesn't signal its presence like the little plants I would be bringing home from the leaves. All had wintered through despite P. florindae and P. sikkimensis with their the sale. This is in an area which tends to stay light or no snow cover through December and shining yellow flowers. The visitor will, damp even during the driest summers, yet has January and were growing strongly. however, take a second and third look at this adequate drainage and shade until past midday. quality plant. As to the color, the best descrip- About six inches of very sandy topsoil was laid The Primula japonica bed nearby came into tion was written by Reginald Fairer in The over rough-spaded heavy clay-loam. I decided flower, and other damp-loving primulas English Rock Garden: "their colour is such to plant the tiny seedlings directly into the bed bloomed. And then one day while weeding — that they just miss the absolutely frightful and rather than into a flat and risk neglect. It was, ah ha! they're going to bloom after all! The in the missing achieve with precision the after all, a mere one dollar investment. first scape was a foot high before I tumbled — absolutely beautiful." P. vialiil By then 11 other scapes had begun to The decision proved to be okay. Even the rise — all but three plants flowering. A This Plant Portrait is submitted by the Oregon tiniest (dibbling size) had lush root systems, and leisurely-produced, several weeks-long display Primrose Society in lieu of a chapter activity there was an immediate growth spurt. By fall startled visitors into many "those are primu- report. Meeting times for the Chapter is listed some of the plants had a six-inch spread and las?!" comments. The plants continued to with Chapter News. *** even the smallest were of respectable size. I thrive after blooming and go into a second still did not suspect these might be other than winter looking as healthy as anything around. *** what I had first presumed. 10 American Primrose Society - Winter 1994 American Primrose Society - Winter 1994 ] 1 Slide Library Programs Beginner's Corner Three programs available to American Primrose Society members For the first time I am able to include a feature Reply from board member Fred Knapp: Three programs on primula topics have been Program 3. Wild and Tame Primulas in column for the novice primrose grower. I hope October 12, 1993 compiled by the Slide Librarian, John A. Alaska. A video and slide program. The video you will find answers to your questions on how O'Brien, Sr., and his helpful volunteers in is Tass Kelso's program "Yankee Doodle to start seeds and grow primroses. I'm Dear Ms. Stagg, Alaska. The programs are available on loan to Dandy" on native American primula from the counting on your questions to form the basis of Your letter of September 14 has been forwarded members by request for meetings or just to "Primula Worldwide" symposium. The slides the column. So, send in all your questions and to me by Maedythe Martin. 1 am a new Eastern enjoy. show native primula in Alaska, and were watch for a response here. member of the APS board and a long time donated by Tass Kelso, Stanley Ashmore and confirmed novice at primrose growing. Program 1. American Primrose Society Aline Strutz with the help of Ermalee Hickel. Help! Slide Program. Eighty slides of a variety of September 14, 1993 I am surprised that your local nurseries only primroses in gardens and in flower arrange- Please send the date for which you need the stock P. denticulata and would love to know ments, with a four-page narrative accompani- program and a check or money order for $ 10 Dear Editor, what makes it the easiest primula in your area or ment. made out to the APS Slide Library. Return the As a Primrose reader, I'm writing in response to the most economically useful. Please ask your program within two weeks. Your postage cost your —Help! nurseryman some time and drop me a line if the Program 2. Auriculas. A video and slide will also be about $10 to return the material. answer makes any sense. I grow it only poorly program, developed to increase interest and I'm a novice at primrose growing and would here, for reasons yet unknown. knowledge in these lovely plants, and to Send requests to: John A. O'Brien, Sr. love to see a "beginner's corner" in your encourage growers. The video is "A Star is APS Slide Librarian quarterly. My collection of plants is small, with Your questions: Born" from the "Primula Worldwide" sympo- 9450 Herbert Place only four varieties, which I've bought through How you collect seed? I'm not sure where your sium of 1992. Auriculas from the Alps, from Juneau, Alaska 99801 <* mail order, and have grown from seed. question begins and ends. If fertilized, the seed the gardens of Alaska and from Thea S. Foster's capsules will be pretty obvious. Many, if not garden are featured. There seems very little interest in Central most primulas are not self-fertile. Read some of Illinois in the culture of primulas, and our local your books about pin-eyed vs. thrum-eyed nurseries only stock P. denticu/ata. I shall have forms for mechanical reasons which are part of Board of Director's Meeting to try to change this by inviting our garden cltib the story. I suspect that your plants are not Corrections setting seed, which is fairly common. continued from page 4 to view my collection next spring and asking and Apologies the nurseries to stock more varieties of Rosetla Jones on pollinating and June Skidmore on primrose. If you have several clones (rather than divisions of the same plant) the task is easier. Disas- troughs. There will be further discussion. Don Keefe in his "Primrose Notes" in My questions are — How and when does one semble a few flowers, pin and thrum, to identify the summer, 1993 issue referred to the Information on a proposed trip to botanical gardens collect seed? Would shredded pine needles the location of things, then fertilize them "late" Ralph Benedict. Don subse- in China was introduced by President John Kerridgc. discourage the onslaught of slugs and save my yourself. Use a fine brush, toothpick, or pin. quently received a letter from Dr. Ralph Those interested should contact him. June Skidmore plants from becoming tattered remnants? What Look to see that you actually have picked up may be able lo arrange a "primula" expedition to the H. Benedict protesting his untimely variety are the primulas that are sold in mid- pollen to transfer, and persevere. It may take United Kingdom. More information will be available demise! The American Primrose Society winter at the supermarket? These brilliant several attempts before you and the plants can on this, or contact June Skidmore. wishes to apologize to Dr. Benedict for splashes of color have brightened many a cold agree on timing/technique. Once you get the error — Don Keefe was mortified — day, and I have planted them in the garden is capsules, let them turn tan to brown before The nominating committee will be chaired by and hopes he will continue to receive and Thelma Genheimer. June Skidmore agreed to be on spring and watched them flourish. harvesting them. Watch them carefully as fall read the quarterly for many years to the committee. approaches; even let a few open on their own come. Thank you for all the enjoyment you have given just to record the timing. Good luck. The next meeting will be January 29, 1994. me through your publication. The photo of the auricula theatre at the Slugs? I do not believe pine needles are rough/ Respectfully submitted, Chelsea flower show in the summer Frances Stagg sharp enough to discourage them. Barbara Flynn, 1993 issue of the bulletin is not that of Peoria, Illinois Recording Secretary V Brenda Hyatt's, as reported, but Cravens'. continued on page 12 Sorry for the error. P.S. How about a primrose hot-line? 12 American Primrose Society - Winter 1994 American Primrose Society - Winter 1994 13

Primrose Readers - My Barnhaven Elizabethan Primroses Help! Update by Jacqueline Giles

NEW CONTRIBUTORS, would put APS in touch with other associa- Primroses are one of our oldest and most beginning to be fashionable. He began by NEW FEATURE COLUMNS tions so we could learn about their events and beloved flowers. When in Elizabethan times crossing the Hose-in-Hose with the Jack-in-the- The Winter 1994 issue includes a new feature exchange information. the knot garden became very popular in both Greens and vice versa, and as he puts it, "all the column, "Beginner's Corner" thanks to letters manor house and cottage gardens, the neat size weirdos began to appear eventually." We are from new growers If you don't see your ADVERTISING MANAGER of the primrose fit the design perfectly. It was indebted to Mr. Sinclair for all his hard work question answered here, please send it in. An advertising manager to encourage new at this time that the different forms of the and dedication. It is thanks to him that these The column depends on questions from new advertisers for Primroses is also needed — primrose were noticed and named. lovely antique plants are back in circulation. growers just starting with primroses. desperately! Advertisers are sources of seed for members. In his Herbal, written at the end of the 16th In 1988 I sent for my first Barnhaven catalog. The Mailbox column has letters from first- century and the beginning of the 17th century, I was intrigued by the section "Elizabethan time contributors from Montana and Calgary, Here are two jobs waiting for someone to John Gerard describes Hose-in-Hose among others. Thanks for sending your help out. Hope to hear from you soon. and Jack-in-the-Green. These were comments. All you other readers - send your widely planted during the 16th contribution so we can learn what primulas The consensus seems to be — have issues century; I can imagine the arrange- grow well in your area. Keep the letters with color photographs as often as the society ment of leaves behind the blooms coming! can afford it! So there will be another color appealing to the Tudors. An issue this year. Thanks for all the comple- interesting form of the Jack-in-the- GARDENING SOCIETY LIAISON ments for the fall 1993 issue. Paul Held's Green is Jackanapes. This is the Is someone willing to help with contacting P. sieboldii photographs were indeed "Franticke" or foolish primrose other societies and exchanging ads? This splendid! <* described by Parkinson in his Paradisusof 1629. The green calyx is striped with the same color as the flower.

Beginner's Corner Barnhaven played a large part in the continued from page U conservation of the Elizabethan primroses. In the late 1940s a Mid-winter supermarket plants? Sold here also, I am glad to hear that the APS lives in Illinois. Captain Hawkes from Cheshire sent December through spring in successive waves. Too often the major plant societies seem to be Florence Bellis some seed of the They are polyanthus and acaulis hybrids, based on the two coasts, while the center of the Jack-in-the-Green, and Hose-in- generally incestuously overbred for flower size country seems forgotten. How many other Hose from plants in his garden. and color, which often do not turn out to be APS members do you know in Illinois or the Florence was intrigued and worked a good doers in the garden — their genes are too Great Lakes area? I see that even the American few of them onto her Barnhavens. focused on their narrow objective. I, too, plant Rock Garden Society, larger than APS and The colors improved and she carried them out and find one here and there which probably the group next most interested in on in a small way, as they had retains garden capability. primulas, has only one member listed in Peoria. limited appeal in the 1950s and 1960s. "Strictly for the nuts," she In the last decade they have been somewhat I hope these comments will be of some help to said. refreshed by the introduction of P. jiiliae blood. you. Good luck with your next growing Not all the results are hardy, but I look for season. In about 1972 Jared Sinclair, who smaller leaves and flowers as an indicator of was by now carrying on the good possible garden success. The original species Fred Knapp work of Barnhaven, noticed an stock for these plants was combinations of P. Drifts of old-fashioned primroses and pol\anmus in Locust Valley, New York <* interest in conservation was veris, P. vulgaris, and P. elatior. 14 American Primrose Society - Winter 1994 American Primrose Society - Winter 1994

Bornhaven Elizabethan Primroses continued All types of Elizabethan primroses can be primrose or polyanthus form, but most are Growing Auriculas - My Way by Dorothy Springer Primroses" written by Mr. Sinclair. "Called polyanthus. The names are also historic anomalous primroses by the sages, many of curiosities but are worth preserving. these curiosities so dear to Tudor hearts are Although the Vernales are my passion and allegedly gone with the dodo but here they are Jack-in-the-Green interest, I have always been intrigued by the coaxed back to life by way of dogged persever- Also called Jack-in-the-Pulpit. The name of the Auricula clan. ance and fearful expense," he wrote. From that leader in some old English dances. Buds like packet of seed I had every type of Elizabethan moss roses opening into flower held by a ruff of Years ago, having been put down quite oddity that he named. leaves instead of the normal calyx. thoroughly on several occasions by the powers of the auricula world in this area, I decided Two years later I collected and sowed my own Jackanapes I would quietly develop my own system of seed; flowering lime was like Christmas, Possibly takes its name form a striped eoat growing. wondering what was coming next! Two-thirds which was fashionable during the 17th century. of my plants were of the antique mode in lots of Like the Jack-in-the-Green but the calyx is Frankly, I was scared to death of auriculas! lovely colors. striped with the same color as the flower. Seared to divide, scared to water or not to water. Scared to fertilize or not. Scared to use It is best to keep all plants for an extra year, as I Gallygaskins this soil mix or that. Just plain scared to grow A yellow border auricula, originallv grown b\ Welch, can be brought to perfection have found they sometimes change form year to An old name for wide breeches. The flowers them at all! I really got started when I began year. Last year I split into six plants a rare have an abnormally large or distorted or ribbed successfully growing some of the European Dorothy Springer's directions. Pantaloon. Only three flowered as Pantaloons calyx. species and their hybrids. the following spring; the other three went back to being plain polyanthus. I am hoping they Hose-in-Hose Put off by the many recipes for soil mixes My other problem is root aphids. This will have a change of heart this year. This is an old name for stockings. A fashion- I finally sat down one day and listed the neighborhood abounds in buttercup whose roots One of my original Barnhaven plants started off able gentleman in Tudor times would wear two requirements for growing auriculas. Good are covered with root aphid. I don't know if it as a Jack-in-the-Green, a lovely soft lemon and stockings, one inside the other. The outer one drainage: that meant sand or grit. Moisture- is the primula root aphid or whether my apricot color, the next year it became a having the top turned back. The Hose-in-Hose retaining: add some peat moss or leaf mould. auriculas passed the aphid on to the buttercup Jackanapes and last year it sported a double has two flowers, one held inside the other. Loam: all the recipes called for loam. Now all up and down the block or if the auriculas flower. where does a city dweller with terrible garden acquired it from the buttercup. Pantaloons soil find loam? Potting soil will have to do. A very feathery type of Jackanapes has now Striped breeches worn by the Tudors. Hose-in- Since the potting soil already contained peat To combat this miserable pest, I water in a appeared in my latest batch. I am hoping that it Hose blossoms with a striped flower at the back. moss and pumice I cut down on the amounts solution of Orthene as soon as repotting is is going to bring me the Feathers or Shags type of peat and grit. Add a little superphosphate completed. Then I use it again twice a year, just of Elizabethan primrose mentioned in Jackanapes-on-Horseback and some steamed bone meal, toss in a little before spring growth commences and then just Sacheverell Sitwell's lovely book Old With a bunch of leaves sprouting from the stem crushed charcoal to keep the soil sweet, store before mid-fall. I always add some spreader- Fashioned Flowers. beneath the flowers. for about three months to age and then start sticker to the solution to help cut through the potting. cottony covering of the aphid. I am also looking for a Clown which I believe It would be lovely if, in these modern Elizabe- to be a not very well defined Hose-in-Hose than times, these charming plants could again I've also found that a standard potting soil of I tried the greenhouse to house the collection. type, striped and spotted with white. Both these enjoy the popularity they deserve. good grade with the addition of a little more No good. Fuschias, begonias and geraniums types of Elizabethan primrose are thought to be pumice or grit will work just as well without being over-wintered in a cold greenhouse do not extinct. The pleasure and excitement of these My garden with be open on 17 April 1994 all the fuss of mixing and storing. survive. Auriculas do not want a greenhouse enchanting primroses continues to delight me. under the National Gardens Scheme. full of those companions and the heat necessary I grow about 300 Elizabethan primrose plants To pot oj repot I just center the plant in a clean to keep them alive during the winter months. each year, collecting some open pollinated seed Jacqueline Giles lives and gardens in Ballon plastic pot of the correct size for the plant, fill from each generation. Percy, York, England. *»* in around the roots with soil, firm the soil and We have a north-facing deck with a wide top off with a thin layer of grit, pumice or overhang on the back of our house. The picnic aquarium gravel to keep down the moss and liverwort that seem to love my plants. 16 American Primrose Society - Winter 1994 American Primrose Society - Winter 1994 17

Growing Auriculas - My Way continued enough good air circulation as the prevailing winds here are from both the north and west. table pushed against the house wall and under The plants have frozen solid in their pots on the overhang provided a tine place to keep the many occasions and survived beautifully. beginnings of the auricula collection. They receive plenty of light and certainly more than I feed my auriculas in the spring each time they are watered with a diluted 20-20-20 liquid Under the Overhang fertilizer and find they are happy on that diet. by Rick Lupp They are fed this way until late summer. During the winter they are watered just enough to keep them barely damp, usually just two or GROWING IN THE ALPINE problem with Primula allionii, so use a light three limes between December and February. HOUSE AND CONTAINERS hand when watering and pay attention to When I think of growing Primula in the alpine conditions. My advice to new auriculas enthusiasts is to house, the first plant that comes to mind is that read as much as possible, listen to the experts in little gem from the Maritime Alps of France and It is important to practice good housekeeping your area and then come up with your own Italy, Primula allionii. This delightful with this plant. Remove all dead and dying system using the back-ground information, your miniature forms tight mounds of congested foliage before the onset of winter so as to knowledge of local growing conditions and rosettes with small, sticky, grey-green foliage. minimize the sites where fungal spores can your own common good sense. It worked for establish and grow. me! The plants bloom from late February to early April here at the nursery at Graham. The The plants can be divided and increased by My problem now is that the auricula collection blooms are very large for the size of the plants removing the rooted offsets in late summer or has long out-grown the deck space, and too — reaching one and a half inches across in early fall so they have time to establish good Growing white-edged snow auriculas can m many plants on the deck flooring have caused some forms and are carried in umbels of two to roots before the worst of winter hits. Unrooted intimidating but repay all the effort. the deck to rot! <* seven on short stems which rise to just above offsets can also be removed at this time and the foliage. A well grown plant can be a solid inserted in sand or grit until they root, a process dome of color when in bloom. I have had the which generally takes about a month or two. I occasional odd plant produce a light fall bloom grow the rooted cuttings on until the following as well. spring before potting into two and a quarter inch SHOW DATES pots. Cultivation of Primula allionii in the alpine Oregon Primrose Society and Valley Hi Chapter: National Show house presents no great difficulties. The plant On the rare occasions when I have been April 9 & 10 - Beaverton Mall in nature grows in shaded limestone cliffs and fortunate enough to come by seed of Primula Tacoma Chapter crevices; however there is no need to provide allionii, I have had good results when I planted April 9 & 10 - Lakewood Mall limestone if you do not have a convenient the seed in November. The seed pot was left in Washington State Chapter source. I find that a mix that contains approxi- a covered but unheated frame until germination took place in April of the following spring. The April 16 & 17-South Center Pavilion mately 50% peat and 50% grit of one kind or another works very well. I generally use an seedlings were allowed to grow on until early Eastside Chapter - Plant sale, no show - Date to be announced even leaner mix with excellent results. August. Then they were pricked out and planted into two and a quarter inch rose pots to B.C. Primula Group The plants should never be allowed to dry out grow on until the following spring, when they April 23 & 24 - Southlands Nursery, Vancouver, B.C. when they are in active growth and in bloom were moved to four inch pots. Alaska Primrose Group and should receive a light dose of fertilizer May 13 & 14 - Garden Conference and Trade Show, Juneau, Alaska when growth begins in very early spring or late All of my Primula allionii plants are repotted Alpine Garden Club of B.C. winter. "Many growers insist that the plants can every year, a practice which results in vigorous, April 16 & 17 - Pot show, VanDusen Gardens, Vancouver, B. C. not be top-watered especially in winter; heavy-blooming plants. Fungi aside, about the however, I have found that I can top-water on a only real pest we have had any problems with Vancouver Island Rock and Alpine Society year-round basis as long as I avoid watering April 8 & 9 - St. Mary's Church Hall, Victoria, B.C. during periods of high humidity and poor air continued on page 18 circulation. Molds and fungus are a definite American Primrose Society - Winter 1994 American Primrose Society - Winter 1994 19 News from the Chapters APS Bookstore ALASKA A show at a local mall is also planned this spring, as The Society has a special price on the new Older titles that are out of print will be made We had the first of several programs planned, on well as garden visits to Bill Seigel's and Marguerite Richards' book, Primula, available to available if used copies arc found. You may Saturday November 6, 1993 Thai program was on Godshall's gardens. Evelyn Schulc will host the members only: S36US plus postage. Send want to send a list to Thea with your requests. auriculas. Attendance was 38 people. We gave out picnic and plant sale. your order directly to Thea Oakley, Librarian. information on books about auriculas and invitations President John Kerridge has written the chapter, Send for a list of all titles presently available. to join the American Primrose Society. Everyone also received a nice surprise gift from Misty Haffner expressing an interest in it and hoping to come and Other titles that could be made available if Thea Oakley — a small package of exhibition alpine auricula visit. He asks for suggestions on what the chapter there are enough requests include Shaw's A American Primrose Society Librarian seeds. Herb Dickson included these extra seeds wants from the society, what it enjoys most, and what Book of Primula. If you are interested, write 3304 288th Ave. N.E. recently when Misty was placing an order. You can would be of interest to others. to Thea Oakley. Redmond, WA USA 98053 bet that a nice present like that made lots of people Phone: 206-880-6177 <* happy and made lots of friends for APS. Fred and Joann Knapp gave an illustrated talk to the group in November. Thanks to Carol Kueppersfor Our next program will be the premier of our "Wild sending the newletter. and Tame Primroses in Alaska" on November 27. We also plan to show the video of Tass Kelso's talk OREGON "Yankee Doodle Dandy" about wild Primroses of Oregon Chapter North America, given at the APS "Primula The Oregon Chapter meets every third Friday from Sybil McCulloch Worldwide" symposium. September through May at 1:00 p.m. at the It was with great sadness that we learned of Sybil McCulloch's death on September 28, 1993. Milwaukie Community Club (42nd and Jackson Sts.) She was able to provide us with unique historical information on the 'Cowichan1 primrose's Our slides of "wild" primroses, although not many in in Milwaukie. For more information on meetings and origins in the Cowichan Valley where her family lived for many years. Always a dedicated and number, include those from southeast Alaska up programs, please call Ann Lunn at (503) 604-4582. knowledgable rock and alpine gardener, she had a special affection for primula and her through the Interior and clean up to the very Arctic collection always included some gerns. She will be particularly missed. Coast between Prudhoc Bay and Point Barrow and WASHINGTON out through southwestern Alaska and Prince William Eastside Chapter Sound, out to the very near end of the Aleutian Meets the first Monday of every month at the Islands at Attu. Now that's coverage, due to the Universal Savings Bank, 6615 132nd Ave. NE, wonderful donors and the APS Slide Library. Kirkland at the Bridal Trails Mall at 7:30 p.m. October program: Roy Eaton, owner of a nursery in Under the Overhang Other programs this winter: Duvall, will speak on "How to prepare your garden continued from page 17 January, third Saturday: Candelabra primroses for winter." February, third Saturday: Florindae, Sikkimensis November program: Primroses in fall and winter. are root aphids, the bane of the Auriculastrum Among the cultivars that are available to North section December program: Christmas party. Bring a garden section. I spray my plants every 60 days with a American growers I especially like P. allionii March, third Saturday: 'Cowichan', Hose-in-Hose, gift to exchange. systemic pesticide during the period of the year 'Edinburgh' ('Elliot's Form' is the name the Jack-in-the-Green polyanthus. The Juneau Garden Club will have a sale on May 5 & Seattle Chapter when the female aphids are active, April to plant is circulating under in America) with extra 6, primroses included. On May 11 there will be a Meets four times a year. Contact June Skidmore, November here in western Washington. large, violet colored flowers. 'William Earle' is Garden Club get-together and picnic at Ruth Nelson's President, for information. a heavy bloomer with large lavender-purple garden. The speaker at the October meeting was Steve There are a high number of named cultivars of blooms with a small white eye and rather Doonan on cultivation of Primula in the Auricula P. allionii available in Europe with over a crenate petals. 'Crowsley Var.' is a smaller A person makes lots of nice friends when they are section. hundred grown in England alone. Many are flowered form with vibrant orchid-purple growing primroses and joins the Primrose Society. very similar plants or are selections that are flowers with a rather late bloom. Report from John O'Brien, Sr. Tacoma Chapter deficient in color or flower form. This is all Meets the first Tuesday of each month, except July PENNSYLVANIA and August in the Fireside Room of the United rather academic to North American growers as I hope you are inspired to seek out some of Doretta Klaber Chapter Methodist Church, 1919 West Pioneer, Puyallup at very few cultivars are available in the U.S and these forms and slarl growing. The bit of extra This chapter sent out a newsletter January 6, 1994, 7:30 p.m. Canada. The situation is improving as more effort will lead to a great deal of pleasure in the with the following information: October program: Larry Bailey's presentation on enthusiasts are trading plants among themselves years to come, as this beautiful little jewel of a Seed sowing workshop at Dot Plyler's, February 5, show auriculas, on video, from the "Primula and the plants are coining into the hands of primula produces its early blooms to melt away 1994. Species seeds, as well as Sakata seed 'Lovely,' Worldwide" symposium. Note: April Boettger, who specialty nurseries for propagation. the gloom of winter. *J* 'Prominent' and 'Pageant' strains (a generous donation), plus polyanthus 'Pacific Giant' strain will continued on page 34 all be available. 20 American Primrose Society - Winter 1994 American Primrose Society - Winter 1994 21 Notes from the Editor From the Mailbox Letters from our readers PRIMROSES ARE POPULAR "On March 23rd J. K. and 1 took the road to the The APS continues to receive letters from interested Hpare pass, ascending a narrow thickly forested glen growers — 20 at a time —- due to mention of the where again the trees were thickly draped with moss. society in gardening publications. The December A mile short of the pass, at an altitude of about 7,000 issue of Horticulture included an article, "Auricu- feet, we found a camp site on a grassy hillside just las," by Ann Lovejoy with wonderful pictures of above the road, and pitched our tents. Vast numbers auriculas in Long Tom pots, and sumptuous displays of Primula denticitlata were in full bloom here, the of plants at British shows. Cultural directions for color ranging from pure white to deep violet, and January 1994. growing show auriculas are included. The first name from mauve to purple; they were finely grown plants Dear Editor, in the list of sources for auriculas was the APS. loo, the mealy stems sometimes six inches tall. Some I enjoyed the fall APS bulletin. Since I am the Corresponding secretary, Thea Foster, and her of the clumps bore a dozen mop heads, and were only one listed in Montana, I am writing a few helpful husband who addresses all the envelopes, doubtless almost as many years old. In spite of its lines about primrose growing. keeps churning out letters in response to all the undeniable charm this plant must be regarded as a inquiries. dangerous pest, an irrepressible weed, which is Lima is 6,300 feet high and last year it froze killing out more valuable pasture plants by sheer The January issue of Horticulture has a piece on weight of numbers. The more the grass is burnt, the every month of the year. It is normally dry growing from seed, and again the APS is mentioned. better the Primula likes it." Are there clues here to here, but last summer was an exception. The The society also had calls from a journalist in the successful cultivation of P. denticulata'l Imagine primroses loved the cool weather and bloomed Baltimore writing an article on primroses for his this plant as a weed! more in summer than in spring, paper. More letters from would-be growers will follow, no doubt. The society can only benefit from TWINNING UPDATE I had several polyanthus in alkaline, well- all this new interest and energy from new growers. Dennis Oakley is pairing up APS members in North drained soil in full sun. They were covered America who also want to join a primrose society in with flowers. I broke them up and put them in FAR NORTH GARDENS the United Kingdom. So far he has arranged three rows for future plant sales. This favorite source of primrose plants has contacted pairs. You pay Ihe APS membership fee for your us again. You may want to write for a catalog: Far twin, they pay your membership fee in the U.K. and 1 have a primrose border on the north side of the North Gardens, P.O. Box 126, New Hudson, MI all exchange problems disappear. Others interested Primroses in Montana grown from APS seed house. In this border are three Primula parryi, 48165. They have a wide range of lovely primroses can write to: Dennis Oakley, 10060 Dennis Place, thrive in John Roc/en's north skadv bed. and the catalog has been a delight to read for the Richmond, B.C. Canada V7A 3G8. grown from the seed exchange seed, which many years it has been coming out. bloomed this year. They have leaves a foot SAKURASOH REMINDER long. Aphids got under the sepals, just over the I gave one special treatment in a pot and it Get ready to take a photo of your 'Sakurasoh' SEED SOURCE seed capsules. I put a stop to that and the few bloomed. June Skidmore has forwarded the latest catalog of purchased at "Primula Worldwide" in the spring seeds which developed were scattered near the alpines and primula seed from Field House Alpines, when il blooms. Send the photo with a description to plants. I have a seed list of hardy mountain plants. A for whom she distributes. The section on primula is the editor to be entered into the Sakurasoh registry. extensive and reports of great germination and sturdy few are sun-loving dry-land rock garden types, plants growing from the seed are widespread. GARDENING BOOKS A couple of small P. sieboldii type plants The list is free and I will sell or trade seeds. Recent catalogs received are those from Shire bloomed for the first time. Someone wanted to Write to John Roden, Box 211, Lima, MT A GARDENING CRUISE Publications and Batsford, both from England. buy them, but I need them for seed production. 59739. (Look for John's ad at the back of this A recent letter tells of a five-day Trans-Atlantic The auriculas did best out away from the house. cruise on the Queen Elizabeth II from New York to The Shire list includes Ruth Duthie's little book. I tried one in full sun but its leaves turned London in August this year. The five days will be Florists' Flowers and Societies which tells of the yellow so I moved it back into the shade. I Thanks now, filled with lectures, seminars and presentations on early history of auricula growers in England, and a might add that we have very clear skies and the John Roden, Lima, Montana gardening by Horticulture magazine lecturers, and fascinating bit of history it is, too. Write for their list: representatives of public and private gardens of Shire Publications Limited, Cromwell House, Church sun is very bright. England, France and the United States. For Street, Princes Risborougll, Buckinghamshire, HP27 January 11, 1994 information write to: Valerie S. Brown, Set Sail 9AJ, U.K. Primula japonica did not winter well. One Dear Editor, Cruises, 1156 S. Main St., Suite 49, Conyers, GA bloomed, but I wasn't too excited about its 30207 or call 404-388-0607. The Batsford catalog includes a practical guide color. P. denticula did not prosper in the spot Congratulations! The fall 1993 Primroses is to micropropagation, Plants from Test Tubes, where I planted it. A few bloomed half- fantastic! The color picture on the cover is not A rock gardening friend recently gave me the heartedly and died. P. vialii germinated in great only beautiful, but beautifully reproduced. I following excerpt from F. Kingdon-Ward's book, continued on page 22 numbers. They did not like the limey soil. Burma's Icy Mountains, (London, 1949): 22 American Primrose Society - Winter 1994 American Primrose Society - Winter 1994 23

From the Mailbox continued December, 1993 Dear American Primrose Society, Primula Seed Sources loved the photographs, and to see the wonderful Compiled by Marie Skonberg, Alaska variations of Primula sieboldii encourages me I would be grateful if you would be able to put to try growing them. In response to your an advertisement in your bulletin for Seeds HORTICULTURAL SOCIETIES COMMERCIAL SOURCES "Notes from the Editor,'11 think it is very Wanted. I am looking to hear from anyone THAT OFFER SEED EXCHANGES FOR PRIMULA SEED AND PLANTS worthwhile spending extra dollars on both color from the U.S.A or worldwide who have the WITH PRIMULA SEED (MAIL ORDER) covers and inside color photos. How often? Vernales section primulas. 1 am particularly American Primrose Society A Plethora of Primula Every issue should have them! looking for Elizabethan 'Jack-in-the-Green/ Addaline Robinson, Treasurer 244 Westside Highway 'Hose-in-Hose,' 'Pantaloons,' and any other 9705 S.W. Spring Crest Drive Vader.WA 98593 I'm not usually one for writing letters, but I weird and wonderful curiosities. Portland, Oregon 97225 Albiflora Inc. guess I should tell you a bit about Calgary and Alpine Garden Club of BC P.O. Box 24 primrose growing here. Calgary is 100 km east I would like to correspond with any one who is Joy Curran, Membership Chairman Gyotoku, Ichidawa, Chiba 272-01 Japan of the Rocky Mountains. We are often the growing these Vernales curiosities. I look RR#1 B38 Bowen Island, BC Arrowhead Alpines recipient of winter Chinooks, warm winds that forward to hearing from you in the near future. Canada VON I GO P.O. Box 857, Fowlerville, MI 48836 can turn a -20 C morning into a +10 C after- I would be very grateful if your would give me American Rock Garden Society Barnhaven Primroses noon. There are usually several feet of snow in a mention at your Chapter and APS shows. I Jacques Mommens, Executive Secretary Langerhouad, 22420 Plouzelambre, France the mountains, while in Calgary we frequently would like to hear from anyone as soon as P.O. Box 67, Millwood, N.Y. 10546 Bijou Alpines struggle with no snow cover and temperatures possible. Dansk Primula Klub 26121 150th Avenue East that can go below -30 C. We have cool J Vagn Jensen, Danmarksvej 43B Graham, WA 98338 summers and most summer nights the tempera- Yours sincerely, 2800 Lyngby, Danmark Brenda Hyatt Auriculas ture drops quickly enough that we seldom sit Mr. P.J. Szypitka Matsumoto Sakurasoh & Primula Club I Toddington Crescent, Bluebell Hill outside after dark. 63 Basttlefields Lane, Hobeach nr. Spalding, Kazuo Hara, Secretary, Nr. Chatham, Kent, England ME5 9QT Lines. England, PE127PG * 9-21 Miyata Malsumoto, Nagano 399 Japan Carroll Gardens Almost all of my primulas have been grown National Auricula and Primula Society, P.O. Box 310, Westminster, MD 21157 from seed from the APS and rock garden Northern Section Chehalis Rare Plant Nursery society exchanges, and therefore some won't be Notes from the Editor D.G. Hadfield 2568 Jackson Hwy., Chehalis, WA 98532 true. Currently I am growing Primula halleri, continued from page 20 146 Queens Road, Cheadlc Hulme Chiltern Seeds P. vialli, (it's been with me four years now), P. Cheadle, Cheshire, England SK8 SHY Bartree Stile, Ulverston, Cumbria frondosa, P. sinopitrpurea, P. apennina, P. by Lydiane Kyte. The Medieval Garden, by John National Auricula and Primula Society England LA127PB glaucescens, P. kisonana, (should flower for the Harvey might be of interest to those primula growers Midland and West section Chris Chadwell first time this year), P. veris, P. elatior, P. fascinated by its early history. Write for the catalog to: P. G. Ward, 61 Lawson Close, 81 Parlaunt Road, Slough denticulata, P. marginata, P. saxatilis, P. Batsford, 4 Bakers Mews, London, England W1M 1DD. Salford, Bristol, England BS18 3LB Berkshire, England, S13 8BE auricula, P. alpicola, P.flormdae and P. National Auricula and Primula Society Collector's Nursery sikkimensis. All of these have proven hardy Hazel Wood, specialist in secondhand and antiquarian Southern section 602 N.E. 162nd Avenue here and I hope they survive the massive garden gardening books has sent a list to the society. Here's a L. E. Wigley, 67 Warnham Court Road Vancouver, WA 98684 source for the fine books on primroses and auriculas rebuilding I have planned for this summer. I am printed in England in the 1940s and 1950s by authors Carshalton Beeches Colorado Alpines, Inc. particularly intrigued by the petiolaris primulas, such as Genders. Books on other florists flowers, such Surrey, England SM5 3ND P.O. Box 2708, Avon, CO 81620 but alas, we don't have the same quality as the carnation, are also listed. The holdings are The Alpine Garden Society Cravens Nursery nurseries here as in other places. It just makes extensive, and she will also undertake book searches. The Secretary, ACS Centre 1 Foulds Terrace, Bingley, West Yorks. the "hunt" that much more exciting, and it will Avon Bank, Penshorc England BD164LZ give me a greater appreciation for plants that I The list will be held by the society's librarian, Thea Worcestershire, England WR103JP Cricklewood Nursery finally obtain. Oakley, or you can write directly to Hazel Wood at: The Rock Garden Club Prague 11907 Nevers Road Hazel Wood, Antiquarian and Secondhand Books, 27 Eva Hanzlinkova Snohomish, WA 98290 Woodfield Drive, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, England Keep up the good work! It is very much Pasteu'rova 5, 14200 Day star DEI I ODE. appreciated, especially by the usually silent Praha 4, Czech Republic Litchfield-Hallowell Road, R#2 Box 250 people like me! RYVOAN The Scottish Rock Garden Club Litchfield, ME 04350 Please contact the editor. There is no return address, Mrs. J. Thomlinson Donington Nursery Sincerely, how can I contact you? Please send a note at once; I Hillcrcst Road, Bearsden Main Road, Wrangle, Boston, Lines Pam Eveleigh, Calgary, Alberta very interested in further correspondence. V Glasgow, Scotland G6I 2KB England PE22 9AT 24 American Primrose Society - Winter 1994 American Primrose Society - Winter 1994 25

Primula Seed Sources continued Milaeger's Gardens, 4838 Douglas Avenue Racine, WI 53402 Seed Exchange List Edrom Nurseries Mojnic Pavelka American Primrose, Primula and Auricula Societv Coldingham, Eyemouth P.O. Box 95, 64101 Novy Jucin Berwickshire, England TD145TZ Czech Republic The seed list made it out early this year. The just the right moment to pick the pods, clean Ernst Bentry Mt. Tahoma Nursery reasoning behind this was to give the member- them, then send the seed to me. I receive the Potsfach, P.O. Boxll27-D-3510 28111 112th Ave.E., Graham, WA 98338 ship an early start on planting the seed which seed and take care of it. The seed names are Hann, Munden 1, Germany Nature's Garden will allow you to get the primula seedling out to what make the seed list and with the help of Field House Alpines P.O. Box 574, Scio, OR 97374 the garden earlier, which will give them a better some very special volunteers is printed, put into June Skidmore, 6730 W. Mercer Way Geo. W. Park Seed Co. Inc. survival rate over next winter. The result of this envelopes and mailed to you. The membership Mercer Island, WA 98040 Cokesbury Rd, Greenwood, SC 29647-0001 will be more primula growing in everyone's send in their orders, they are filled, the seed is Gardenimport Inc. Plant World garden. planted, grows, blooms, sets seed, the seed is P.O. Box 760, Thornhill, Ont. St. Marychurch Rd., Newton Abbot sent in to the A.P.S. seed exchange. This Canada L3T 4A5 S. Devon, England TQ12 4SE There is something magical about growing wonderful cycle continues, all with love for G. Ghose and Co. The Primrose Path primula from seed. Every tiny seed that is primula. Townsend, Darjeeling, India RD 2 Box 110, Scottsdale, PA 15683 planted with loving care is a miracle within Goodwin & Son Rainforest Gardens itself. It is alive, in a dormant stage just waiting The seed list can only get better. I am asking all Goodwin's Road, Bagdad South 7407 13139 224th St. RR#2, Maple Ridge, B.C. for the perfect moment to erupt from the seed members to write me with any comments, Tasmania, Australia Canada V2X 7E7 coat, to become a part of our world as a complaints, or suggestions on how we are doing Heronswood Nursery Ltd. Rosetta Jones beautiful primula. The excitement of watching with the seed list. All will be seriously 7530 288th St. NE, Kingston, WA 98346 E. 170 Donoon Place, Shelton, WA 98584 this happen is one of the ultimate highlights in a considered to make our seed exchange better. Holden Clough Nursery Russell Graham, Purveyor of Plants grower's life. I can only compare it to the first Dept. ARCS, Holden, Bolton-by-Bowland 4030 Eagle Crest Road NW primula blossom in the early spring. It is so If you haven't yet sent in your seed order, please CHtheroe Salem, OR 97304 delightful, so stimulating, so impressive, I love do at your earliest convenience. I want to keep Lanes., England BB7 4PF Sahin, Zaden B.V. Postbus 227 it. those colorful images in my mind, thank you. Insriach Apine Plant Nursery Gerald Doustaat, 32400 AE Alphen a/d Aviemore, Inverness-shire Rijn, Holland With every seed order that I fill, I get this visual Marie Skonberg, Scotland PH22 1QS Sakata Seed America Inc., P.O. Box 880 picture in my mind of what the end result of Seed Exchange Coordinator Jelitto Staudensamen Morgan Hill, CA 95038-880 (wholesale only) these tiny seed will be. Believe me, it is a Porsfach560 127 D-2000 Sakata Seed Corporation colorful image. The Society extends a great vote of thanks to Hamburg 56, Germany P.O. Box Yokohama Minami No. 20 Marie for coordinating the seed exchange this Jim and Jenny Archibald Yokohama, Japan 232 The seed list comes to you from a circle of year. She's done a great job. The variety and 'Bryn Collen' Ffostrasol, Llandysul Saltspring Primroses people with a love for primula. First there are extent of the list are impressive, and she Dyfed, Wales SA44 5SB 2426 W. 47th Ave., Vancouver, B.C. the donors, who grow the primula, wait until deserves a big round of applause from all of us! Josef J.Halda Canada V6M 2N2 P.O. Box 110, Hradec Kralove 2, 501 01 Seedalp Switzerland Czech Republic P.O. Box 282, Meyrin, Geneva, Switzerland SEED EXCHANGE packet. However, some may be available in a Josef Jurasek Siskiyou Rare Plant Nursery The APS Seed Exchange is open to all members lesser quantity and will be listed as limited seed. Lamacova 61, Praha 5, 152 00 Dept 1, 2825 Cummings Road in good standing. Czech Republic Medford, OR 97501 Mail your order as soon as possible. Orders from Karmic Exotix Nursery Southwestern Native Seeds The seed is listed first by Primula Section, then this list will be filled until March 31, 1994. At Box 146, Shelburne P.O. Box 50503, Tucson, AZ 85703 by species or cultivar name. Both G. K. that time, a Surplus Seed List will be available. Ont., Canada LON ISO Stokes Seed Co. Fenderson's book A Synoptic Guide to the If you wish to receive a copy of that list, check P. Kohli & Co. Box 1308, Buffalo, NY 14240 Genus Primula and The American Primrose the box on the order form and enclose a long, Park Road, Srinagar, Kashmir, India 190009 Thompson & Morgan, Inc. Society Pictorial Dictionary have been used for self-addressed stamped (or one international Lamb's Nursery P.O. Box 1308, Jackson, NJ 08527-0308 classification and spelling. reply coupon) envelope with your order. Orders 101 E. Sharp Avenue, Spokane, WA 99202 Andre Viette from the Surplus Seed List will be filled until Mary's Plant Farm Rte 1, Box 16, Fisherville, VA 22939 * The number of seed per packet will vary May 15, 1994. Orders will be filled in the 2410 Lanes Mill Road, Hamilton according to the amount of seed avaiiahle. sequence they are received, with donor orders (McGonigle) OH 45013 Unless otherwise stated, there will 10 seeds per being processed first. 26 American Primrose Society - Winter 1994 American Primrose Society - Winter 1994 27

Seed Exchange continued ssp. = subspecies var. - variety 42 Auricula, garden, white [D6] SECTION CUNEIFOLIA We offer no guarantee that the seed you order (15) = # of seed per package if other than 10 43 Auricula, garden, yellow [D15] 80 cunei folia LD29] will grow. However, the seed is stored under [D11 = person donating the seed 44 Auricula, garden, yellow [D6J refrigeration to maximize viability. [C1J = commercial company from which the 45 Auricula, petite hybrids [D6J SECTION DENTICULATA seed was purchased cashmeriana col. [D371 We attempt to verify botanical and cultivar 46 Auricula, red self [D6] HI 1993= Surplus seed from last year's Auricula, yellow self denticulata [D37] names used, but can not guarantee that the seeds 47 ID6] 82 (15) exchange x pubescens, Giganta denticulata (25) [Dl] are true to name. Single quotation marks 48 [D26] S3 * = Limited seed. One package per denticulata, mix (25) [D25J indicate a named hybrid clone, the seeds of 84 customer SECTION BULLATAE denticulata, mix (25) [D29] which may not come true to type. 85 49 forrestii 1993 86 denticulata, ruby (15) [C2] Contributions to the 1995 Seed Exchange are (5) [D37] 87 denticulata, white IC2J Abbreviations and symbols used in the Seed List 50 forrestii (15) welcome until October 31, 1994 at which time are as follows: the Seed List will be compiled for 1995. All SECTION CAPITATAE SECTION FEDTSCHENKOANA HP = hand pollinated contributions of seed should be mailed to: 88 *fedschenkoi (5) [D37] OP = open pollinated 51 capitata ssp. mooreana [Cl] Marie Skonberg, P.O. Box 70, Ouzinkie, AK col. = collected in the wild 52 glomerata [D19] 99644. SECTION JULIA & HYBRIDS SECTION CORTUSOIDES 89 Garryard polyanthus x Juliana OP [D28] Members ask why we print the seed list in the quarterly. It's so you can 53 cortusoides [D17] 90 x Juliana, blue [D4] look back to find what was number 252 in 1988 and find the name once you 54 jesoana [D371 91 x Juliana 'Dorothy' [D3] 55 kisoana mix [D30] 92 x Juliana, Footlight Parade |D4] have grown the plant. 56 mollis [D8] 93 x Juliana, mix [D25J 57 polyneura [D17] 94 x Juliana, Fireflies [D4] 58 polyneura [D18] 95 x Juliana, polyanthus mix [D4] SEED EXCHANGE LIST 18 auricula [DIG] 59 polyneura [D21] 96 x Juliana, polyanthus type, red |D4] 19 auricula ssp. ciliata [D37J 60 saxatilis [D16] 97 Julian mix [C3] SECTION ALEURITIA 20 clusiana [D37] 61 saxatilis [D21] 98 x pruhoniciana, amaranth red [D26] 1 farinosa [D26] 21 clusiana col. Austria [D37] 62 saxatilis [D37| 99 x pruhoniciana, blue [D26] 2 hailed [D22] 22 glutinosa [D37] 63 sieboldii ID10] IO10C0 x pruhoniciana, mix |D26] 3 halleri [D26] 23 hirsuta [D37] 64 sieboldii [D17J 101 x pruhoniciana, pink |D26J 4 halleri 1993 24 integrifolia [Cl] 65 sieboldii [D37] 102 x pruhoniciana, red [D26] 5 incana [D37] 25 1 at i folia [D23| 66 :!:sieboldii Dancing Ladies [D4] 1033 x pruhoniciana, yellow [D26] 6 laurentiana [D37] 26 latifolia [D37] 67 *sieboldii Galaxie [D4] 1044 Wanda Hybrid, blue |C2] 7 mistassinica [D22] 27 marginata [D37] 68 *sieboldii Manakoora [D4] 1055 Wanda Hybrid, mix LC2J 8 mistassinica alba [Cl] 28 pahnurii DM7] 69 *sieboldii Pago-pago [D4] 1010C6- Wanda Hybrid, lilac [C2] 9 modesta alba [D22J 29 pedemontana [D37] 70 *sieboldii Tah-ni ID4] 107 Wanda Hybrid, pink w/red eye IC2 ] 10 scotica [Cl] 108 Wanda Hybrid, raspberry red [C2] 11 scotica [D12] AURICULA HYBRIDS SECTION CRYSTALLOPHLOMIS 109 Wanda Hybrid, red [C2] 12 specuicola 1993 30 Auricula, double [D4] 71 macrophylla, white [D20] 110 Wanda Hybrid, rose [C2] 13 yuparensis [D19] 31 Auricula, double [D5] 72 melanops [D25] 111 Wanda Hybrid, white [C2J 32 Auricula, exhibition alpine mix [D6] 73 nivalis [D25] 112 Wanda Hybrid, yellow [C2] SECTION ARMERINA 33 Auricula, garden, blue [D6] 74 *nivalis var. colorata, col. [D37| 113 Wanda Formula, mix [C3] 14 involucrata 34 Auricula, garden, brown [D6] 75 sinoplantaginea |D25] 15 involucrata 35 Auricula, garden mix [D6] 76 sinopurpurea |D21] SECTION MONOCARPICAE 16 nutans 36 Auricula, garden mix [Dl] 77 sinopurpurea [D2] 114 malacoides, Oscar, carmine red [D24] 37 Auricula, garden mix ID4] 78 tschuktschorum col. 115 malacoides, Oscar, rose [D24] SECTION AURICULA 38 Auricula, garden mix [D28] St. Paul Island, AK [D36] 17 auricula [D37J 39 Auricula, garden mix, pastels [D7] 79 *lschuktschorum col. 40 Auricula, garden, red & purple [D25] Providonia (5) [D37] 41 Auricula, garden, red LD6J American Primrose Society - Winter 1994 American Primrose Society - Winter 1994 29

SECTION MUSCARIOIDES PRIMULA HYBRIDS 196 'Cowichan'Polyanthus, red [D27] 234 x bulleesiana, 116 cernua [Cl] 154 Acaulis, Barnhaven gold [D4] 197 'Cowichan' Polyanthus, red HP [D2] orange bicolor (20) [D8J 117 concholoba [Cl] 155 Acaulis, blue w/red eye, HP [DIG] 198 'Cowichan' Polyanthus, 235 x bulleesiana, lavender (20) [D8] 118 concholoba [D19J 156 Acaulis, cream w/green eye, HP |DIO] Formula mix [C3] 236 x bulleesiana, pink coral (25) [D38J 119 vialii (50) [D2] 157 Acaulis, Harbinger [D4] 199 Polyanthus, Mrs. McHenry's 237 x bulleesiana, coral orange (25) [D38J 120 vialii (50) [D10J 158 Acaulis, Prominent, white [D24] Giant Yellow HP [D2| 238 bulleyana (20) [D19] 121 vialii (50) [C3] 159 Acaulis, Prominent, yellow [D24] 200 Polyanthus mix [D9] 239 bulleyana (25) [D2] 122 vialii (50) [D37J 160 Acaulis, Lovely, apricot [D24] 201 Polyanthus, white [D9] 240 bulleyana (25) [D15] 161 Acaulis, Lovely, blue [D24] 202 Polyanthus, Gold-laced x 241 bulleyana (20) [Cl| SECTION OBCONICOLISTERI 162 Acaulis, Lovely, mix [D24J polyanthus [D2] 242 bulleyana (20) [D18] 123 obconica, deep blue [C2] 163 Acaulis, Lovely, pink [D24| 203 Polyanthus, Gold-laced [D37] 243 bulleyana (20) [D27] 124 obconica, red & white [C2] 164 Acaulis, Lovely, scarlet LD24] 204 Polyanthus, Grand Canyon [D4] 244 burmanica (20) [D37] 125 obconica, white & blue [C2] 165 Acaulis, Lovely, yellow [D24] 205 Polyanthus, Harbour Lights [D4] 245 burmanica (20) [D20] 126 obconica, carmine [D24] 166' Acaulis, Osiered Amber [D4] 206 Polyanthus, Harvest Yellows [D4] 246 burmanica (25) 1993 127 obconica, lavender [D24J 167 Acaulis, Pageant, apricot (20) 1993 207 Polyanthus, laced hose-in-hose [D28] 247 Candelabra, bright red (20) [D27[ 128 obconica, pink [D24] 168 Acaulis, Pageant, bicolor mix [D24| 208 Polyanthus, light purple [ D15 J 248 Candelabra, carrot orange (20) [D27] 129 obconica, red [D24] 169 Acaulis, Pageant, bright pink [D24] 209 Polyanthus, Little Egypt [D4] 249 Candelabra, deep yellow (20) [D21] 130 obconica, rose [D24] 170 Acaulis, Pageant, bright rose [D24] 210 Polyanthus, Mauve Victorians [D4] 250 Candelabra, 131 obconica [D28] 171 Acaulis, Pageant, carmine bicolor [D24] 211 Polyanthus, New Pinks [D4] Inschriach hybrids (20) | D151 172 Acaulis, Pageant, 212 Polyanthus, Orange-laced x 251 Candelabra, mix (20) [D35] SECTION OREOPHLOMIS deep carmine rose (20) 1993 blue 'Cowichan' w/round eye HP [D28] 252 Candelabra, mix (20) [D32] 132 luteola 173 Acaulis, Pageant, red bicolor [D24] 213 Polyanthus, Pacific Giants [Dll] 253 Candelabra, orange (20) [D2I] 133 luteola 174 Acaulis, Pageant, rose bicolor [D24] 214 Polyanthus, Pacific Giants, 254 Candelabra, orange (20) |D3I] 134 macrocarpa, col. Kashmir 175 Acaulis, Pageant, white bicolor shades 255 Candelabra, peach (20) [D27] 135 rosea w/yelloweye (20) 1993 215 Polyanthus, Pacific Giants, 256 Candelabra, pink (20) [D21J 136 rosea grandiflora 176 Acaulis, Pageant, mix [D24] blue shades 257 Candelabra, 137 rosea grandiflora 177 Acaulis, Prominent, mix [D24| 216 Polyanthus, Pacific Giants, Plant World Rainbows (20) [ D19] 178 Acaulis, Prominent, blue (20) 1993 pink shades [D24] 258 Candelabra, rosy red (20) [D27] SECTION PRIMULA 179 Acaulis, Prominent, bronze (20) 1993 217 Polyanthus, Pacific Giants, 259 Candelabra, red (20) [D21] 138 elatior (carpathica) [D37] 180 Acaulis, Prominent, pink [D24] scarlet shades [D24] 260 Candelabra, yellow (20) [D27] 139 elatior (20) [D31J 181 Acaulis, Prominent, purple bicolor [D24] 218 Polyanthus, Pacific Giants, 261 Candelabra, yellow orange (20) [D27] 140 elatior (15) [D27] 182 Acaulis, Prominent, red bicolor |D24] white (20) 1993 262 chungensis (20) [D25] 141 elatior (20) [DI2] 183 Acaulis, Prominent, rose bicolor |D24] 219 Polyanthus, Silver Dollar mix |D4| 263 chungensis (20) [D2I] 142 elatior, cream, red foliage [D271 184 Acaulis, Prominent, scarlet 1993 220 Polyanthus, Violet Victorians [D4] 264 chungensis (20) [D3] 143 elatior ssp. leucophylla [D9J 185 Acaulis, Prominent, white (20) 1993 221 Polyanthus, Winter While [D4] 265 x chunglenta [D261 144 elatior ssp. pallasii [D37J 186 Acaulis, Spectrum, 222 xtommasinii [D18] 266 cockburniana HP [D28] 145 elatior ssp. tatrica [D37] New African Violet [C31 223 Traditional mix [D4] 267 cockburniana (15) [D3] 146 veris (15) [D25] 187 Acaulis, Picotee Blue & White [C3] 224 White Polyards OP [D28] 268 cockburniana (15) [D8) 147 veris (15) [D9] 188 Acaulis, Spectrum, 269 helodoxa (15) [D18) 148 veris, crimson, gold (15) |D19] Naughty Marietta [C3] SECTION PROLIFERAE & HYBRIDS 270 helodoxa (15) [D8J 149 veris var. macrocalyx (15) [D37J 189 Acaulis, Picotee Purple & Yellow [C3J 225 anisodora [D8J 271 helodoxa (25) 1993 150 veris (officinalis) (15) [D37] 190 Acaulis, Picotee Red & Yellow [C3] 226 anisodora [D25] 272 japonica alba (15) [D37] 151 veris, red (15) [DI8J 191 Acaulis, Picotee Rose & White [C3] 227 aurantiaca [D23] 273 japonica (25) [D23] 152 veris, yellow (15) [D16] 192 Acaulis, Spectrum, Purple Laced [C3] 228 beeskina (25) [D18] 274 japonica (25) [D20] 153 veris OP (15) [D2] 193 Acaulis, Spectrum, 229 beesiana (20) [D21] 275 japonica (25) [D9] Siberian Sunrise [C3] 230 beesiana (20) [D23] 276 japonica (25) |DI3] 194 Acaulis, Spectrum, Stardust [C3] 231 beesiana, rose carmine (20) 1D27] 195 Acaulis, Spectrum, 232 beesiana, dark purple (20) |D27| Crimson Laced [C3J 233 x bullccsiana (25) [D34] American Primrose Society - Winter 1994 30 American Primrose Society - Winter 1994 31

277 japonica (25) [D30] 321 florindae, yellow (15) [D16] 359 Lewisia cotyledon, yellow [D16] 367 Trillium smallii col. Japan [D37] 278 japonica (25) [DI5] 322 florindae, yellow (15) [D8J 360 Lewisia nevadensis I'D 16] 368 Tulipa urumiensis [D37] 279 japonica, fluorescent pink (15) [D14] 323 reticulata [D12] 361 Lewisia tweedyi, yellow |D16] 369 Jeffersonia diphylla [D13] 280 japonica, mix (20) [D15] 324 secundiflora [D26] 362 Meconopsis betonicifolia alba [D21] 370 Veratrum nigrum fD37] 281 japonica, mix (20) [D2] 325 secundiflora [D21] 363 Meconopsis betonicifolia LD21] 282 japonica, mix (20) [D29] 326 sikkimensis (15) [D21] 364 Meconopsis betonicifolia [D16] ADDENDUM 283 japonica, mandarin red (20) FD181 327 sikkimensis (15) [D33] 365 Ramonda myconi |D37] 371 Acaulis, double [D4] 284 japonica, mandarin red (20) [D27] 328 sikkimensis (15) LD37] 366 Ramonda nathaliae |D37| 372 Acaulis, Barnhaven mix [D30] *J* 285 japonica, mandarin red (25) 1993 329 sikkimensis (15) [D14] 286 japonica, rose (25) 1993 330 sikkimensis v. pudibunda [D25J 287 japonica, 'Miller's Crimson' (25) 1993 331 waltonii hybrids [D25] This seed list is printed here for historical reference. 288 japonica, 'Miller's Crimson1 (25) [D19J 332 waltonii [D37J 289 japonica, 'Miller's Crimson' (25) [D14] 290 japonica, 'Miller's Crimson' (25) [D27J SECTION SOLDANELLOIDES CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS 1994 SEED EXCHANGE 291 japonica, 'Miller's Crimson' (25) [D8] 333 flaccida [Cl] 292 japonica, pale pink 334 reidii hybrids [Cl] The APS Seed Exchange Committee wish to D18 Renee/Dennis Oakley Canada semi-double [D27] 335 reidii var. williamsii alba [D37] personally thank all of you who found the time D19 Plant World England 293 japonica, 'Postford White' (20) [D14] 336 reidii var. williamsii [D37] and energy to grow the primula, hand pollinate, D20 Keith Sellars England 294 japonica, 'Postford White' (20) [Dl] 337 reidii williamsii, blue form 1993 collect and clean the seed, then package it up for D21 Ernie/Marietta O' Byrne Oregon 295 japonica, 'Postford White' (20) [D8] 338 reidii williamsii, white form 1993 mailing to the APS Seed Exchange. This is D22 Norbert/Irma Marker! New York 296 japonica, 'Postford White' (25) 1993 indeed a labor of love for primulas and for the D23 Janice Anthony Maine 297 japonica, rose (25) 1993 SECTION SPHONDYLIA American Primrose Society. We would not D24 Sakata Seed California 298 japonica, rose (20) [D15] 339 boveana [D20] have this Seed Exchange for the membership if D25 Marie Skonberg Alaska 299 japonica, white w/pink tinge (25) 1993 340 gaubaeana [D37] it were not for you, the donors. Thank you for D26 Jelitto Staudensamen Germany 300 poissonii (15) [D19] 341 gaubaeana 1993 your support and for your contributions of seed! D27 Charles Oliver Pennsylvania 301 pulverulenta (20) [D18] 342 kewensis, Mountain Spring [C2] D28 Peter Atkinson Washington 302 pulverulenta (20) [D37] DONORS D29 Esther Chernikoff Alaska 303 pulverulenta (20) [D2] OTHER PRIMULACEAE Dl JohnO'Brien,Sr. Alaska D30 Karen Schellinger Minnesota 304 pulverulenta (20) [D8] 343 Androsace albana [D12] D2 Dr. John Kerridge Canada D31 Teresa Richardson Washington 305 smithiana (prolifera) [D26] 344 Androsace lactiflora [D12] D3 Misty & Rick Haffner Alaska D32 Elana White Alaska 306 smithiana (prolifera) [D25] 345 Dodecatheon pulchellum D4 Angela Bradford D33 Lucille Nelson Alaska 307 wilsonii [D20] ssp. superbum [D3] (Barnhaven Primroses) France D34 Dr. Roger Eichma Alaska D5 Rosetta Jones Washington D35 Martha McKinney Alaska SECTION SIKKIMENSIS COMPANION PLANTS D6 Herbert Dickson Washington D36 Karen Bourdukofsky Alaska 308 florindae (15) [D18] 346 Acergriseum [D16] D7 Maedythe Martin Canada D37 Dr. Horst Georgi Germany 309 florindae (15) [D29] 347 Aquilegia canadensis [D13] D8 Bodil Leamy Canada D38 Thea Service Foster Canada 310 florindae (15) [D35] 348 Campanula takesimana D9 Nancy Goodwin North Carolina 311 florindae (15) [D14] alba col. N. Korea [D37] D10 Jay/Ann Lunn Oregon COMMERCIAL SOURCES 312 florindae (15) [D3] 349 Crocus korolkowii (5) [D37] Dl I Caroline Jensen Alaska (Purchased seed) 313 florindae (15) [Dl] 350 Crocus olivieri (5) [D37] D12 IvoBenes Czech Republic Cl Field House Alpines England 314 florindae (15) [D17] 351 Daphne tangutica [D16] D13 Beatrice McDonald Massachusetts C2 Colegrave Seed England 315 florindae, copper [D8] 352 Fritillaria pallidiflora (15) [D37] D14 Thea Oakley Washington C3 Sahin Holland *> 316 florindae, mix (15) [D34] 353 Gentiana lagodechiana [D16] D15 VascoFenili Washington 317 florindae, red [D25] 354 Gentiana sino-ornata [D16] D16 Dan-Pederson Washington 318 florindae, yellow (15) [D25] 355 Hellebores niger LD13] D17 Mary Baxter Washington 319 florindae, yellow (15) [D23] 356 Lewisia cotyledon alba [D16] 320 florindae, yellow (15) [Dl] 357 Lewisia cotyledon mix, Sunset Strain & magenta 358 Lewisia cotyledon, pink & white 32 American Primrose Society - Winter 1994 American Primrose Society - Winter 1994 33

Journal Report An Index to the Quarterly For the first time in a long time we have an index to the quarterly bulletin. This index is for For this issue The a Foster has some observa- good specialist hybridizers to produce results of Volume 50 and 51, 1992 and 1993, but what a great relief it is to have an index at all, again. tions culled from the National Auricula and that sort. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers we can look forward to more of these. Primula Society (Southern Section) Yearbook, Seven of the flowers shown were described as The plan is to do an annual index and include it with the Winter issue, which is the first in the new The National Auricula and Primula Society red — from light red to highly red, blood red, year. As well, the volunteers are working backwards to close the gap since the last index in 1976. (Southern Section) has produced an exemplary crimson and dark red. Several are described as 1993 Yearbook. Editor R.H. Barter has filled it having a "satin-like sheen." Over ten years ago Please let us know if this index helps you find the answers to your questions, or if there are with an abundance of good material ,so it has some Douglas seed produced for me hand- changes you would like. Send your comments to the editor. been necessary to choose just a few of the somely distinctive reds, with a very glossy articles to review. We recommend them all to texture. I crossed them with other good reds, primula and auricula fanciers. Several other also from Douglas seed, but lacking the shine. pieces are of interest to APS members and A number of satiny ones have resulted. I am could be reviewed later when spaces allows. now reminded to pursue this line once more. Alaska Garden Show AURICULAS OF 30O YEARS AGO How did that extensive and fascinating The Alaska Group of primrose growers will be participating in the Garden It was a fortunate day for auricula growers collection of auriculas come to exist almost 300 Trade Show and Conference held in Juneau at the Centennial Hall, May 13 to when the late Dr. Ruth Duthie made the chance years ago, in what appears to be such obvious May J5, 1994. President John Kerridge of the American Primrose Society will discovery in London's Lindley Library of two defiance of accepted modern theory of their speak on primroses. volumes of various garden flowers compiled color genetic heritage? For auricula people this between 1704-1714. In the first volume there revealing study is our version of looking back to were eight pages devoted to auriculas of the day the origins of the universe — but we need a Local primrose growers are willing to billet visitors from out of town. Come located in a German doctor's garden. Editor horticultural 'Hubble' to help us! and visit us in the land of rain and snow and glaciers, where primroses love it, R.H. Barter has reproduced 66 realistically especially when it is too miserable out of doors for gardeners. As Caroline drawn flowers in black and white — with Certainly we would be most grateful if some Jensen says, ''Alaska is primrose country!" numbered descriptions which are very clear — learned geneticists out there would put all their making the original plants easy to visualize. intuition and collective knowledge to use in an Society member Ken Saint has carefully effort to unravel this fascinating puzzle! Maybe Contact John O'Brien, Sr. for further information: translated the 'somewhat archaic' German someone can "out-Biffen" Biffen!* 9450 Herbert Place, Juneau, AK 99801. descriptions and Allan Hawkes has penned an excellent thoughtful preface. * Sir Rowland Biffen, author of the The Auricula (Monograph) 1951. Present day growers of border and garden auriculas with be amazed to see the 280 year old BARNHAVEN III Journal Report sketches as they depict flowers remarkably like Angela Bradford's chronicle of Barnhaven's continued from page 32 the ones on plants we might expect to raise from adventurous move to France is a wonderful a modern packet of mixed seed. There are story. Her quite detailed account of the hows- hold high — but she sounds most equal to the Primula x pubescem in the PNW shows have purples, violets and leather color, rose, orange and-whys of the change of location makes good task! had small tight-leafed rosettes — usually clearly and red shades. Out of the 66 only one was reading. She includes practical notes, such as showing their link to the Auriculastrum group. distinctly yellow! This may cause us to the seed mix used for her primulas which is BORDER CLASSIFICATION We look forward to hearing how National reconsider past theories of auricula genetics. always of such great importance to other Geoff Micelle's lively writing style makes his Auricula and Primula Society solves this Calling all experts in this field! growers. In the Pacific Northwest, as indeed column in the Yearbook well worth reading. classification dilemma. It would be extremely throughout the entire APS membership, we He includes a discussion of the problems faced helpful to see a general standard devised. Those Another amazing phenomenon is the large maintain a continuing pride and interest in the in some on the NAPS shows over the categori- of us who breed border auriculas and P. x percentage of striped flowers — 15 in all. "Barnhaven saga" — the brainchild of Florence zation of Border Auricula. It surprised me that pubescens would be especially interested. Today we would expect to have to sow a large Bellis. What a standard Angela Bradford must a variety as small as The General' was packet of striped auricula seed from one of the included amongst "Borders" in a recent Thea Foster, North Vancouver, B.C. *> continued on page 33 overseas nursery catalogue. 34 American Primrose Society - Winter 1994 American Primrose Society - Winter 1994

News from the Chapters continued from page 19 National Auricula

spoke on auriculas at the September meeting prepared a useful leaflet on propagation and culture We met the manager (he says the bank is the owner!) and Primula Society of primroses. and spent an hour with him admiring the thousands of Invites all auricula and primula lovers to join in this old society. November program: Seed planting program: gorgeous plants of every conceivable color arrayed Membership includes yearbook. demonstration and directions for potting up seedlings row upon row on long tables. These are covered with by Herb Dickson, Cy Happy and Dan Pederson. special mats where drip hoses on automatic timers Seeds available at the meeting. provide water. The manager receives plugs of Northern Section December program: Annual Christmas pot-luck seedlings from a supplier and grows them on in 5" dinner. pots in the main greenhouse and 4" pots in a slightly D.G. Hadfield smaller greenhouse. In the smaller greenhouse there 146 Queens Road, Cheadle Hulme, Cheadle, Cheshire, England Washington State Chapter were 17,000 plants! All plants are watered from Midland Section Meets the second Friday of each month except July below to prevent rot developing. The beautiful and August at the United Good Neighbor Center at condition of the plants showed how well the system Hon. Sec., Mr. P. Green 305 S. 43rd St. Renton at 7:45 pm. works. Primrose Hill, Bell's Bank, Buckley, Worcs., England October program: Surplus auction. Peter Atkinson Southern Section told how his hybridization program led to his plant We split into smaller groups and wandered down the "Celebration." Marie Skonberg from Alaska visited benches admiring the various colors and the various Lawrence E. Wigley the meeting. flower forms. I was particularly interested in any that 67 Warnham Court Road, Carshalton Beeches, Surrey, England November program: Slide program by June Skidmore showed doubling as I am doing a bit of cross- on English primrose shows, growers, and nurseries. pollinating with this aim in view. Someone found a She also discussed their methods for growing, Jack-in-the-Green and I would have liked to acquire cultivating and judging primroses. it. December program: Annual pot-luck dinner. Information on the 1994 show. We broke up after an hour and on the way out passed a small shed where trolleys loaded with plants stood CT)ctirsu,nrx>tro curxi British Columbia Primrose Group awaiting shipment. The scent in this confined area Meets every two months on the third Wednesday, at was almost overwhelming. Everyone enjoyed the v* join Southlands Nursery, 6550 Balaclava. Vancouver, visit and I was thanked many times for arranging the outing. It had to be early in January as before the end •& Japanese society for lovers of all primulas. of the month the plants would all have gone. Maybe ^ Yearbook, with English summary. The group met on November 17, 1993, and heard a this field trip would appeal to other chapters. most valuable talk by Bob Bunn on growing species Report by Dennis Oakley. '** -& Seed exchange. primula from seed. Bob has raised over 100 species and is willing to share his knowledge. Send US $20 in cash, registered mail for one year's subscription (April to March) Write to: Mr. Kazuo Hara, Secretary The group now has a .small library of books to Yoshikawa-Koya 647-51 borrow. The meeting concluded after a short talk, Wanted Matsumoto, Nagano, illustrated with slides, by John Kerridge on standards Seed wanted: Mr. Szypitka writes from for exhibiting gold-laced polyanthus. 399 Japan England that he wants seed of traditional or On New Years Day about 17 of the group paid a visit "Elizabethan" primroses, including all the to Westwind Greenhouses in Richmond. Al this time anomalies: Hose-in-Hose, Jack-in-the-Green, of the year thousands of Primula acaulis arc ready Pantaloons, all of them. for shipment to nurseries and corner stores in the The APS Primula x 'Juliana- Registry - Don't Forget area. He would also like to correspond with anyone The American Primrose Society Board of If you raise a new variety you feel is worth growing these curiosities of the Vernales The trip was suggested by one of the B.C. Primrose Directors decided at the "Primula Worldwide" naming, write to me for a registration form, section. See his letter in the Mailbox column, Group who works at Southlands Nursery where we symposium in 1992 to establish a registry making sure to include a photograph. this issue. His address is, 63 Battlefields meet. Renee and I live near the greenhouses. system for the identification of the many Dorothy Springer Lane, Holbeach nr. Spalding, Lines., England, wholesale only, and we offered lo pay them a visit Primula x 'Juliana' hybrids, both old and new. 7213 South l5thSt.,Tacoma, WA 98465 and arrange a tour. PEI27PG. 36 American Primrose Society - Winter 1994 American Primrose Society - Winter 1994 37

CHEHALIS RARE PLANT NURSERY FIELD HOUSE ALPINES 2568 Jackson Hwy., Chehalis. WA 98532 LEAKE ROAD, GOTHAM, NOTTINGHAM, NGll OJN. ENGLAND. Tel 0602-830278 Herb Dickson, Prop. After 30 years of selecting and breeding, ALPINE, PRIMULA & AURICULA SEED I have developed an improved strain of Garden Auricula with a complete palett of Our collection includes over 300 named Auriculas and over color. 90 species of Asiatic, European & American primulas, along Rick Lupp (206) 847-9827 witn hundreds of cultivars, hybrids & forms. New for 1992- Garden Auricula - 75 seeds per packet Juliana seed. Visitors always welcome. Mixed Brown Yellow Sole agent for United States, Canada, Asia. Red Blue Picotee Alpines, Washington State June M. Skidmore White Petite Hybrids Natives, Species Primulas, Troughs 6730 West Mercer Way, Mercer Island, WA 98040 Exhibition Alpine - 75 seeds and Trough Plants Send $2 for 1993/94 Catalog Hand pollinated Double Auricula Custom Propagation 15 seeds Hand pollinated Show Auricula 20 seeds Nursery open Red Self. Yellow Self - Green Edge by appointment only Hardy Dry-land Seeds Bushes and trees, Ribes lacustre Primula Florindae - 150 seeds or more Mail Order in U.S. & Canada only (Black Gooseberry) Anemone, Mixed Candelabra - 200 seeds or more from Montana Dodecatheon jeffreyi, Erigonanum, Penstemon All packets $2.00 each Send $ 1.00 for Plant List Natives from over 6,000 feet 50 cents postage & handling in U.S. & Canada 28111 - 112th Avenue E. Free seed list: John Roden Other foreign orders $1 00 postage & handling Box 211-Lima, MT 59739 Washington residents add 7 5% sales tax Graham, Washington 98338 Phone 406-276-3560 MINIMUM ORDERS 3 packets

Outstanding results., SALTSPRING PRIMROSES A Synoptic Guide guaranteed! to the Genus Primula SEED OF DOUBLE "Wanda Wonders" mixed polyanthus form by G.K. Fenderson ACAULIS $ 2 for 25 seeds Barnhaven strain polyanthus A basic reference to the genus Primula, AND DOUBLE mixed, hardy, open-pollinated with approximately 1375 species, synonyms $ 2 for 50 seeds and hybrids included. AURICULA "Mrs. McHenry's Giant Yellow Polyanthus" $ 2 for 25 seeds ISBN 0-935868-24-0. v. + 213 pp. 7" x 10" hardbound with dustjacket; 56 line NEW SEED CROP IN AUGUST Send US or Canadian Funds drawings, 1 black & white photograph. MINIMUM ORDER $ 1 for postage and handling 40 SEEDS-$5.00 LIQUID PLANT $ 1,50 ourside North America Available in North America $ 1 for Seed list ($40.00 postpaid) from the author: FOOD P.O. Box 571 10-15-1O ROSETTA JONES Send to: Saltspring Primroses South Acworth, New Hampshire 03607 E. 170DUNOONPL 2426W.47Ave. Vancouver, BC Available outside the USA from: SHELTON,WA 98584 Canada V6M 2N2 Wheldon & Wesley, Codicote, Hitchin, PHONE: 206-426-7913 Herts, SG4 8TE and from the Royal Schultz Company, 14090 Rlverport Dr. St Louis, MO Horticultural Society. 38 American Primrose Society - Winter 1994 AMERICAN PRIMROSE SOCIETY

OFFICERS Officers of the Chapters President - Dr. John Kerridge, 2426 W 47th Ave., Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6M 2N2 Vice-President, Past President - Cyrus Happy III, 11617 Gravelly Lake Dr. SW, Tacoma, WA 98499 Recording Secretary - Barbara E. Flynn, 1332 232nd PI. NE, Redmond, WA98503 Doretta Klaber Chapter Valley-Hi Chapter Corresponding Secretary - Thea S. Foster, 779 E 21 st St., North Vancouver, BC, Canada V7JIN7 President, Dot Plyler President, Etha Tate Treasurer - Addaline W. Robinson, 9705 SW Spring Crest Dr., Portland, OR 97225 18 Bridle Path 10722 SE 40th Ave., Miwaulkie, OR 97222 ChaddsFord,PA19317 Washington State Chapter DIRECTORS Eastside Chapter President, Peter Atkinson 1996 Larry A. Bailey, 1507 9th Ave. N., Edmonds, WA 98020 President, Thea Oakley 16035 SE 167th PI, Renton, WA 98055 Flip Fenili, 7102 Citrine Lane SW, Tacoma, WA 98498 3304 288th Ave. NE, Redmond, WA 98053 Seattle Chapter 1995 Karen Schellinger, 31335 Kalla Lake Rd., Avon, MN 97068 Oregon Chapter President, June Skidmore Fred Knapp, 58 Kaintuck Lane, Locust Valley, NY 11560 President, Ann Lunn 6730 W. Mercer Way, Mercer Island, WA 98040 1994 Rosetta Jones, E 170 Dunoon PL, Shelton, WA 98584 6620 NW 271st Ave., Hillsboro, OR 97124 The Berry Botanic Garden Dorothy Springer, 7213 South 15th, Tacoma, WA 98465 Tacoma Chapter Director, Dr. Linda McMahan President, Candy Strickland The Berry Botanic Garden 8518 28th Ave. E. Tacoma WA 98445 11505 SW Summerville Ave., Portland OR 97219 EDITOR life membership. Submit payment to the Maedythe Martin, treasurer. Membership renewals are due 951 Joan Crescent, November 15 and are delinquent at the first of News Flash! Don Keefe is now coordinating the Round Robin. Victoria, B.C. Canada V8S 3L3 the year. Find his address on page 39. ADVISOR Membership includes a subscription to the Herb Dickson, quarterly Primroses, seed exchange privileges, 2568 Jackson Hwy., Chehalis, WA 98532 slide library privileges and the opportunity to join a Round Robin. ROUND ROBIN April E. Boettger Donald Keefe, PUBLICATIONS 244 Westside Hwy - Vader, WA 98593 22604 NE 20th Place, Redmond, WA 98053 Back issues of the quarterly are available from 1-206-295-3114 the secretary. SEED EXCHANGE PRIMULA LOVERS DELIGHT Marie Skonberg, Manuscripts for publication in the quarterly are - because - P.O. Box 70, Ouzinkie, AK 99644 invited from members and other gardening A PLETHORA OF PRIMULA experts, although there is no payment. Please will begin shipping on April 15, 1994 SHOW JUDGES include black and white photographs if possible. Rosetta Jones, Send articles directly to the editor, Maedythe We are a new mail-order nursery and eventually plan to carry a full range of Primulaceqe, E 170 Dunoon Place, Shelton , WA 98584 Martin, 951 Joan Cres., Victoria, B.C., Canada including: V8S 3L3. SLIDE LIBRARIAN Androsace Cortusa Cyclamen Dionysia John A. O'Brien, Sr. Advertising rates per issue: full page, $60; half Dodecatheon Douglasia Soldanella 9450 Herbert Place, Juneau, Alaska 99801 page,$30; quarter page, $15; eighth page and minimum, $10. Artwork for ads is the However, our emphasis will be on Primula - especially auricula! MEMBERSHIP responsibility of the advertiser, and camera We have been most fortunate to have obtained Herb Dickson's & Larry Bailey's Dues for individual or household membership ready copy is appreciated. Submit advertising auricula collections to add to our stock. in the American Primrose Society, both to the editor. domestic and foreign, are $15 U.S. per calendar Drop us a line with your request and/or ideas. year ($ 16 for renewals postmarked after January THIS YEAR WE WILL NOT BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 1); $40 for three years; or $200 for an individual Catalog available after March 1 - $1.00 4U.S.& Canada only 4 Primroses Winter 1994 Volume 52, No. 1