PRIMROSES Quarterly of the AMERICAN PRIMROSE SOCIETY American Primrose Society

Summer, 1991 OARD OF DIRECTOR'S Volume 49, Number 3 MEETING The Board of the American Primrose Society Editor: Maedythe Martin met on April 13, 1991 at the South Center 951 Joan Crescent, Pavilion, in conjunction with the National Show. Victoria, B.C. CANADA V8S 3L3 Minutes and Treasurer's Report were presented. Other business included the following topics. Update on the Conference IN THIS ISSUE... Greg Becker, Conference Chairman, was Board of Directors Meeting 3 unable to attend but sent a report. Planning is on Show Report; National Show 4 schedule. A registration form will be sent to all Primroses in Spring: Eastside Show 8 American Primrose Society members with the Tacoma Primrose Show 10 summer issue of the Quarterly. Oregon Primrose Society 13 Update on " Worldwide" 15 ON THE COVER: New Editor Primula Notes 16 One of the early summer primroses, Primula Maedythe Martin of Victoria, B.C. is the new helodoxa, now known as P. prolifcra, is seen editor of the Quarterly. She reported that the An Almost Fatal Mistake 19 Cy Happy, incoming President and Guest of here in the Skupens' garden. Quarterly is behind schedule and she will try to made by Herb Dickson cet the Spring issue out in late May. Every effort Honor, speaking at the banquet. Ask the Growers: Primroses in Summer 20 will be made to get the Summer issue, due in Mulching Your Primroses 22 July, out on time. Please send articles and banquet, confirmed the slate of officers for 1991 / by Cy Happy PHOTOGRAPHIC information to her at the address listed inside the 1992. Gold-Laced Polyanthus for the Garden 23 CREDITS: back cover. Anyone willing to help as Advertis- by John Kerridge Cover photo and p. 29 by Cy Happy. National ing Manager, also contact the editor. Book Review: - and Tacoma shows, photos by Louise Fenili. Summer Picnic and Board The Complete Guide 25 Oregon show and p. 32-34 photos by Jay Lunn. Seed Exchange Meeting Photos p. 23 by Jennifer Lort. A Snapshot View of Rae Berry 25 The following motions concerning the Seed The American Primrose Society picnic will Line drawing on page 15 and in symposium News from the Chapters 26 Exchange were approved: be held on July 13, 1991 at Herb Dickson's notice on back cover by Doretta Klaber. * Donors must submit seed to the Chairman home in Chehalis, Washington. We will need a Primula Worldwide: Speaker Biographies ..28 no later than October 31, 1991 new host for the picnic the following year. Exotic Primula megaseifolia 29 * Seed list will be mailed to members no later by Don Keefe than December 10, 1991 Banquet Notes from the Editor 32 * Only primulas will be included in the seed Cy Happy, the incoming President and guest From the Mail Box 36 list. of honor at the National Show and Banquet for Officers of the Chapters 37 1991, spoke after dinner. He was introduced by Slate of Officers June Skidmore. Cy thanked Flip Fenili and Seventy-five ballots were received for the Larry Bailey for their hard work over the last annual meeting. The vote was unanimous for year. There have been some difficult times, and it was only through the dedication of members PRIMROSES (USPS 452200, ISSN 0162-6671) |the slate -of officers presented. The Board is published quarterly by the American Prim- ) wishes to thank all the members who included such as these that the Society is able to continue. It has been over thirty years since Cy found rose, Primula and Auricula Society, 6620 NW comments on their ballots, many of which con- tained positive comments concerning the Ameri- himself in the President's chair, and he remi- 271st Ave., Hillsboro, OR 97124. Second- POSTMASTER: Send address changes to can Primrose Society. A formal vote at the nisced about some of the things that have changed Class postage paid at Hillsboro OR and addi- Primroses, 6620 NW 271 st Ave., Hillsboro, OR in the Society over this time. tional mailing offices. 97124. Annual Meeting, held in conjunction with the 3 2 Summer 1991 /American Primrose Society American Primrose Society / Summer 1991 American Primrose Society Show Report: National Show South Center Pavilion, April 13 & 14,1991 Hosted by the Washington Chapter Show Chairman, Thea Oakley Guest of Honor: Cyrus Happy III

Trophy table at the National Show. C. F. Hill Trophy: Best Alpine Seedling Trophies Herb Dickson: Red/burgundy seedling Bam ford Trophy: Best Show Auricula Seedling Ivanel Agee Trophy: Best Juliae Hybrid Herb Dickson: Red show auricula seedling Don Keefe: Yellow Frank Michaud Trophy: Best Named Show Captain HawkesTrophy: Best Gold-Laced Poly- Auricula anthus Herb Dickson: Red self Maedythe Martin: 'Gold Nugget' John Shuman Trophy: Best Alpine Auricula Raye Berry Trophy: Best Herb Dickson: Red/burgundy seedling Darlene Heller: John Haddock Trophy: Best Seedling Alpine Outgoing President flip Fenili and Secretary Ann Lnnn at the National Sho\e cold weather seems to have taken its toll Ellen Page Haydon Trophy: Best Double Au- Auricula ricula Herb Dickson: Red/burgundy seedling The old green acaulis. shown by John Rosetta Jones: Brown double seedling as exhibits were fewer than expected. There Kerridge, was indeed an oddity, with petal tissue were 12 exhibitors at the show. highlights a pale green when fully open. There is a color included a striking Garryard X oxslip by Peter plate of this plant in Barbara Shaw's book, The Atkinson with tall sturdy red stems, pale yellow Book of Primroses, page 23. The named gold- flat (lowers and great vigor- a very handsome laced polyanthus from England, 'Gold Nugget,' plant. Selected from his own seedlings, this which won a trophy for Maedythe Martin, is a plant, called 'Celebration,' won best hybrid in division from a plant imported from England by the Washington State show in 1987 and best John Kerridge. polyanthus at Tacoma in 1991. Another hybrid Two displays added interest to the show. One of interest was a brown double auricula shown by the Society encouraged new members with by Rosetta Jones. Raised from herown seed, the complimentary copies of old Quarterlies, The flower is an attractive antique auricula color, second presented some excellent photographs with very full, formal camellia-shaped flowers. of a wide variety of primulas not often seen at tht A third hybrid of some note was a clear red shows, taken by June and the late Brian Skidmore. garden auriculaseedling staged by Herb Dickson. A plant sale table was the other draw ing card. Herb has been working on producing a clear red A good selection of primula and other color in the garden auriculas, and both the color were available to members and show visitors and form of this seedling were very good. alike. Exhibit tables at the South Centre Pavilion. 4 Summer 1991 /American Primrose Society American Primrose Society / Summer 1991 Wesley Bottom Trophy: Best Hose in Hose Best Rarities Cy Happy: 'Emily' No award CHEHALIS RARE PLANT NURSERY Ivanel Agee Trophy: Best Gold-Laced Polyan- 2568 Jackson Hwy., Chehalis, WA 98532 Best Oddities thus Seedling Herb Dickson, Prop. John Kerridge: Green poly/acaulis After 30 years of selecting and breeding, 1 John Kerridge: Dark ground seedling Best Junior have developed an improved strain of Gar- James Watson Trophy: Brightest Garden Au- den Auricula with a complete palette of No award ricula color. Herb Dickson: Red seedling Best Novice No award Mixed Garden White Garden Yellow Garden Brown Garden Best Grower's Exhibits Blue Garden Red Garden Section A, Thea Oakley (pot of 6 P.malacoides, purple) Exhibition Petite Hybrids, a strain of small species and Section B, No award hybrids in a wide range of color. Best The above $1.00 per packet of 50 seeds. Thea Oakley: Dionysia Primula Floridae & Mixed Candelabra Best Decorative Generous packet $1.00 each. Thea Oakley: Alpine planting Hand pollinated Show Auricula Best Companion Plants Red Self Green Edge Yellow Self Gray & White Edge Rosetta Jones: Lewisia, orange striped unnamed $2.00 per packet of 25 seeds. Winner in the species class: miniature Primula hybrid Hand pollinated Double Auricula Mix denticula shown by Darlene Heller. Raised from $3.00 per packet of 15 seeds. her own seed, it is consistently small. MINIMUM ORDER $5.00 Post free in U.S. and Canada Best Garden Auricula and Brightest Garden Overseas orders please add .50 cents Auricula Herb Dickson: Red self seedling Best Double Auricula, Best Double Auricula Seedling and Best Auricula Seedling Herb Dickson s award winning gold centered IHOTWENT AND Cl" CUL* HOW Rosetta Jones: Brown double auricula seedling alpine auricula seedling. (own hybrid) Awards Species: Best European: Best Plant in Show Best Asiatic: Peter Atkinson: 'Celebration' (own hybrid) Darlene Heller Sweepstakes (most points in show) Best Not Hardy: Thea Oakley Thea Oakley: Primula malacoides, pale pink Best Vulgaris (Acaulis) Thea Oakley: Purple/red acaulis with yellow eye EXHIBITION PLANTS Best Polyanthus Best Show Self Auricula Peter Atkinson: 'Celebration' Garryard x oxslip Herb Dickson: Red self seedling Best Acaulis/Polyanthus Best Alpine Auricula, Best Alpine Seedling No award Herb Dickson: Red/burgundy alpine seedling Best Juliae Hybrid Best Named Show Auricula Don Keefc: Yellow No award ) 'Celebration' a Garryard .\ hybrid by Best Hose-in-Hose Best Gold-Laced Polyanthus Cy Happy: 'Emily' (own hybrid) Peter Atkinson, Best Plant in Show, ton the Maedythe Martin: kGold Nugget* right) and Primula malacoides, shown by Then Best Jack-in-the-Green Best Seedling Laced Polyanthus Oakley and winning Best Non-hardy Species Peter Atkinson: White (own hybrid) John Kerridge: Dark ground seedling Primula (on the left). 6 Summer 1991 / American Primrose Society American Primrose Society / Summer 1991 Best Novice Best Decorative Primroses in Spring, No award Dene Henderson: Design, white chrysanthe- a Primrose Show Best Grower's Exhibits mums, daffodils, brown branch Thea Oakley: Primula malacoides, purple form Best Companion Plants Totem Lake Mall, April 19 Best Primulaceae Darlene Heller: Phlox, creeping pink form & 20,1991 Best Juliana Hybrid Thea Oakley: Dodecatheon Mary Baxter: Primula X Juliana 'Dorothy' Presented by Eastside Primula Society and Best Double Vernales Hilltoppers Garden Club Peter Atkinson: Bright yellow double acaulis Show Chairman, Thea Oakley Best Garden Auricula Darlene Heller: Lavender pink garden auricula MT.TAHOMA NURSERY Beautiful primulas, some large plants with Best Double Auricula Rick Lupp (206) 847-9827 many flowers, appeared at the show this year. June Skidmore: Deep purple double auricula ALPINES, WASHINGTON STATE NATIVES, Along with the competition classes, there was a SPECIES PRIMULAS, TROUGHS, AND TROUGH PLANTS special horticultural display put on by the SPECIES Custom Propagation Hilltoppers Garden Club. This display contrib- Best Species Nursery: Open By Appointment Only uted to the size of the show, and provided Darlene Heller: Primula X pubescens, cream, Mail Order: U.S. & Canadian Only additional color and interest. ruffled Plant sale tables were well attended by the Best Asian Species Send $1.00 For Plant List public. Cowichans sold very well. Darlene Heller: Primula ckionantha, lavender 28111-112th Avenue E., Graham, Washington 98338 Two unusual and eye-catching primulas won form awards: agreen flowered polyanthus brought by Sally Cadranell, and a white and green Gaily Best European Species Gaskin, shown by Mary Baxter. Sally has had Mary Baxter: Primula veris the green polyanthus for many years, and can't Best Not Hardy Species remember where it came from. Congratulations Thea Oakley: Primula malacoides, pale pink for maintaining it in cultivation. Sally. Mary's Best Seedling A Synoptic Guide to the Genus Primula Gallygaskin is another old fashioned primrose. Darlene Heller: Primula denticulate*, white The name Gallygaskin relates to the large, striped form by G. K. Fenderson calyx. It is a treat to be able to see these unusual flowers that often we only read about. EXHIBITION PLANTS This book is intended to serve as a basic reference to the genus Section A: Best Show Auricula Primula. Approximately 1375 species, synonyms, and hybrids are Awards No award included, each with complete reference to author, initial publica- Sweepstakes (most points in show) Section B: Best Alpine Auricula tion, and current status; for nonhybrid taxa, details of typification are Darlene Heller No award also given. Distribution, habitat, altitude, section, a cultural code, Best Plant in Show Section C; Best Seedling Auricula stature, and color are indicated for all currently accepted species. Mary Baxter: No award The several dozen species described since 1949 are included within Best Vulgaris (Acaulis) Section D: Best Laced Polyanthus this conspectus. Sally Cadranell: Pink acaulis No award Chapters are devoted to the taxonomic history of the genus, its Best Polyanthus Section E: Best Seedling Laced Polyanthus origins, and distribution. Other chapters treat cultivation of particu- Mary Baxter: Brown polyanthus with yellow Don Keefe: Dark red ground seedling lar species or groups, growing primulas from seed, and pests and eye Best Rarities diseases. Best Acaulis/Polyanthus Sally Cadranell: Green flowered polyanthus ISBN 0-935868-24-0. v. + 213 pp. 7" x 10" hardbound with Florence Tibbatts: Lemon yellow acaulis/poly- Best Oddities dustjacket; 56 line drawings, 1 black and white photograph. anthus Mary Baxter: White and green Gallygaskin "Available in North America from the author at P.O. Box 5 71, South Best Jack-in-the-Green Best Junior Acworth, New Hampshire 03607 ($40.00 postpaid). Available Don Keefe: Wine Red Jack-in-the-Green No award outside the USA from Wheldon & Wesley, Codicote, Hitchin, Herts, SG4 8TE and from the Royal Horticultural Society.

Summer 1991 / American Primrose Society American Primrose Society / Summer 1991 SPECIES Tacoma Primrose Show Best Asian Species — Primroses — Our 41st Show Darlene Heller: Primula denticulata, white form Best European Species Lakewood Mall, April 6 & 7, 1991 Flip Fenili: Primula elatior ssp. rupreclnei Best Not Hardy Species Presented by the Tacoma Chapter, American Primrose Society Thea Oakley: Primula malacoides, pale pink Show Committee: Shirley and Gordon Lymburn, Louise and Flip Fenili EXHIBITION PLANTS Best Show Auricula No award Best Alpine Auricula Copper kettle from England, the trophy for Best No award Auricula, not awarded this year. Best Laced Polyanthus No award Awards Best Seedling Laced Polyanthus Sweepstakes {Most Points in Show): Ryan Tro- Peter Atkinson: Kerridge strain, deep red. small phy: Thea Oakley flowered Best Plant in Show Best Rarities Flip FcniH: Primula X Juliana 'Wanda' Mt. Tahoma Nursery (Rick Lupp): Primula Most Willing Worker 'Wee Willie' Trophy allionii Louise Fenili Best Oddities No award Best Vulgaris (Acaulis): Ernest Winter Trophy Thea Oakley: Maroon acaulis with yellow cen- Judging at the Tacoma show tre Best Polyanthus: Washington Hardware Tro- In spite of a cold winter and almost two weeks Two displays attracted attention. Mt.Tahoma phy of solid rain prior to show time, the Tacoma Nursery displayed various concrete troughs Peter Atkinson: 'Celebration,' yellow Garryard Chapter managed to bench 150 plants from 12 planted with Irish moss, saxifrage, small coni- X oxslip growers. The many acaulis/polyanthus and spe- fers, cypress and trillium. The Pacific Rhododen- Best Acaul is/Polyanthus cies entries compensated for the poor showing dron Society constructed a garden of full size Thea Oakley: Red acaulis/polyanthus of vulgaris, exhibition plants and growers ex- and miniature rhododendrons in a wide range of hibits. Thirteen floral arrangements in the Deco- colors. A three-tiered fountain surrounded by Best Juliae Hybrid rative Division were a pleasant and welcome driftwood and small ceramic woodland animals Flip Fenili: Primula X Juliana 'Wanda' surprise. Twenty-three plants occupied places formed the center of the display. Best Hose-in-Hose of honor at the trophy tables. A number of plants deserve a mention. Peter Atkinson: Pale yellow hose-in-hose Our configuration of show tables was differ- Primula elatior ssp. rnprc'chtei, winning the Best Jack-in-the-Green: Floyd Keller Trophy ent this year. The white-skirted tables were Best European Species, is a dwarf alpine form of Peter Atkinson: Pale lavender Jack-in-the-Green arranged with one rectangular table between the well known oxslip. Flip Fenili's entry was Best Hybridizing two round tables. These sets of three continued impressive in the size of the well established Ml. Tahoma Nursery (Rick Lupp): Primula down the Mall's main corridor, and were very plant. A pale yellow hose-in-hose originating villosa X rubra eye-catching. from hybridizer Peter Atkinson won in the class. Best Garden Auricula Plant sales were brisk, particularly on Satur- Rosetta Jones obtained the Best Double Au- Herb Dickson: Lavender fringed garden au- day, at the ten sale tables. Chapter members ricula Seedling award for a copper colored plant n ricula ' manned the education table across from the from her own hybridizing program. The sturdy sales area. Simple display plants, literature and upright form characteristic of all Rosetta's Best Double Auricula library texts on primula were available to the doubles could be seen in this handsome plant. Rosetta Jones: Green/gold double auricula Kick Lupp's hybrid Primula villosa .\ general public. Mastergardeners were available Well done, all those who exhibited. Best Double Auricula Seedling which won Best in Class for hybridizing at the to answer questions at an adjacent table. Rosetta Jones: Brown double auricula seedling Tacoma show. 10 Summer 1991 /American Primrose Society American Primrose Society / Summer 1991 Best Junior Best Decorative No award Section A. Class I Novice Oregon Primrose Society Best Novice Jewel Doering: Design, orange primroses, feath- 32nd Annual Spring Show No award ers, woven witch hazed wreath in small ceramic Best Grower's Exhibits container Milwaukie Community Club, Thea Oakley: Primula malacoides, purple form Section B, Class 3 Advanced Amateur Best Primulaceae Thea Oakley: Alpine design, miniature plants in Milwaukie Oregon Mt. Tahoma Nursery (Rick Lupp) Primula oval terracotta planter conusa matthiola v. \ezoenis Best Companion Plants Presented by Oregon Primrose Society, April 20 & 21, 1991 Herb Dickson: Lewisia cotyledon, magenta form Show Chairman, Etha Tate

Exhibit tables at the Tacoma show NATIONAL AURICULA AND PRIMULA

SOCIETY — Southern Section The display of items with primrose designs, put together by Etha Tate for the Oregon show

Invites all Auricula and Primula Lovers to join in this Old Society This year the show was small but the variety Best Gold Laced Polyanthus Membership includes Yearbook of plants was good. In addition to the exhibits, No award there were educational displays, and extra cop- Best Hose-in-Hose Lawrence E. Wigley ies of the Quarterlies were distributed. A dis- Etha Tate: Primula veris Hose-in-Hose 67 Warnham Court Road. CarSshalton Beeches, Suirev, England play of pictures, plates, cups and saucers, all Best Vulgaris (Acaulis) depicting primroses drew a lot of interest. Helen Moehnke: Yellow semi-double Very good plants were available at the sale Best Juliae Hybrid table. Etha Tate: Primula X Juliana unnamed, stalked, NATIONAL AURICULA AND PRIMULA Awards rose Best Novice Sweepstakes (Most Points in Show) SOCIETY — Midland Section No award Herb Dickson, Chehalis Rare Plant Nursery Best Garden Auricula Best Plant in Show Invites all Auricula and Primula Lovers to join in this Old Society Herb Dickson. Chehalis Rare Plant Nursery Jay amt'Ann Lunn: Membership includes Yearbook Lavender auricula, white eye Best Polyanthus Best Alpine Auricula Helen Moehnke: Yellow with red stems Hon. Sec., Mr. P. Green Herb Dickson, Chehalis Rare Plant Nursery Primrose Hill, Bell's Bank, Buckley, Worcs., England Best Double Vernales 'Argus' Helen Moehnke: Orange double polyanthus 12 Summer 1991 / American Primrose Society American Primrose Society / Summer 1991 13 Best Double Auricula Herb Dickson, Chehalis Rare Plant Nursery: Yellow-green double Best Show Auricula No award Update on 'Primula Worldwide/ the Best Species Jay and Ann Lunn: Primula sieholdii 1992 International Primula Best Species Hybrid Jay and Ann Lunn: Primula marginata X 'Linda Symposium Pope' Best Seedling Herb Dickson, Chehalis Rare Plant Nursery: by Greg Becker, Symposium Chairman Primula Worldwide Yellow garden auricula Portland, Oregon Best Seedling Polyanthus Enclosed in Primroses this month is your April 10 to 12, 1992 No award information brochure and registration form for 'Primula Worldwide,' the international primula For further information contact: symposium to be held in Portland next April. Best double vernalcs Once you've had a chance to read it, you'll see Ann Lunn what an exciting meeting has been planned. Best Greenhouse Primula Registrar No award 6620 NW 271st Ave. There are keynote speakers from the United Hillsboro, OR 97124 Best Hybridizing States, England and Japan, as well as from the No award and Canada. Garden tours, and Greg Becker Best Junior down to earth workshops are featured. Add to Symposium Chairman No award this the beautiful accommodations at the Green- P.O. Box 3723 Best Decorative wood Inn, plant sales, book sales, a plant show, Eureka, CA 95502 Etha Tate exhibits, souvenirs, spring in the Northwest and Best Oddities hundreds of fellow primula enthusiasts, and Herb Dickson, Chehalis Rare Plant Nursery: you'll say, "I've died and gone to heaven" - Brown garden auricula with yellow eye primula heaven, of course. Now, all we need is Best Rarities you! No award Best alpine auricula B ut one warning — register early! We know Best Grower's Exhibits the workshops and tours will sell out fast. In No award September this registration brochure will be sent to societies, botanical gardens, and garden- ing clubs world wide. As an American Primrose Society member, you are getting the first chance at registration; but all registrations will be ac- cepted on a first come, first come, first served basis and we don't want to disappoint you.

So, please read over the registration brochure, make your selections, and send your registration SOCIETY in as soon as possible. We want to see and meet FOUNDED 1941 all of you in Portland. Come share with us an exciting" and memorable weekend. It will be one you'll never forget.

Don't miss it! Best double auricula 14 Summer 1991 /American Primrose Society American Primrose Society / Summer 1991 L5 ously with other flowers. The mixture ,R/< that sells for $2.25. Actually I counted an Sturdy White Plant average of 10 seed per packet. This is a useful contains white, yellow, pink, red, blue, /PRIMROSE' Markers source, for Sakata isonly wholesale, and will not lilac and violet." & SOCIETY respond to requests for seeds from individuals. Well, you get the idea! The seeds are sold by W, FOUNDED 19*1 The white plastic knives provided by the fast- The Wisley handbook. Primroses and Au- the Far North Gardens of Livonia, Michigan. serve restaurant chains make good plant labels, riculas, written by Brenda Hyatt, describes two (The address is 15621 Auburndale Avenue, Livo- and can be used four times (both sides, blade end very small primulas, the Asteroid Strain and the nia, Michigan 48154). A packet of 30 seed sell and handle). The handles of the plastic forks and Juliet Mixture. The label on the Asteroid packet for $3.00 or two for $5.40. Primula Notes spoons can also be used for markings, but are not describes it as: After an early spring with exquisite rainbow by Don Keefe as satisfactory. "one of the loveliest cultivated prim- colors from two other delightful Juliana strains, Here's another way to make use of a dispos- roses there is. It is an early small-flow- the delightful 'Wanda1 Julianas and the "Berg Cowichan Mutation able product before you toss it in the bin. ered strain of mainly red, rose and pink Fruhling1 F-l Juliana hybrids, disaster struck. Several weeks ago, while wandering through shades and lilac. It is very free flowering The slashing torrents of rain that hit our garden our garden with Dorothy Springer, I divided a and of good dwarf compact growth." like water from a collapsed dam created abso- large blue Cowichan plant and gave her a clump Articles for Quarterly, As it is only 4 inches tall I assume that it has lute havoc. I would estimate that over half of my with several crowns. Dorothy looked at it and Chapter News Primula juliae blood. Bill Mason, also a friend seedling from these two strains have drowned or handed it back to me saying something like "Are It would help our Editor a great deal if APS and APS member, who lives in Chiswick, En- died from root rot caused by the flooded primula you sure you want to give this to me?" Chapters will designate a representative to mail gland, kindly sent us some of this seed. We have beds. John Kerridge in Vancouver has the same Scrutinizing it closely, I found that one crown to her copies of newsletters, notices of primula already planted the seedlings out in the garden. problem. Ah, well, there's always next year. had an unusual light blue/violet flower, perhaps shows, garden tours, picnics, and any other They were easy to grow and seem to be sturdy There has been some confusion about the use the beginning of a new Cowichan variety? I now news of interest to all APS members. (The plants. They are coming along nicely and would of the name "Wanda'in the last few years. Some examine the division almost daily, hoping it will Editor wishes to thank those Chapters that have do even better if we would get some sunshine. gardeners are confusing the Juliana hybrid strain multiply rapidly. Naturally, Dorothy will get already done this.) Also, if any of you would There is another variety of Primula juliae called 'Wanda' with the purple flowered cush- the first extra crown! care to submit articles on primulas to the Editor hybrids: the Senary strain from Germany, I ion Juliana named'Wanda' that has grown with forpublication in the APS Quarterly, it would be believe. They are called 'Valentine' and are wild abandon in our gardens for years. Unfortu- gratefully appreciated. described as: nate that the new European strain with its many Miniature Denticulata "dainty flowers above cute leaves all bright colors was called by the same name as the old Juliana hybrid. While thumbing through Mary A. Robinsons' the growing of this very pretty little pot Juliana Primroses plant which may be combined harmoni- very choice new book Primulas - the Complete There are several varieties of Juliana hybrids Guide I came across an article about Primula that I have read about recently. Some are new, dntmmondiana, a miniature denticulata, only some not so new. One strain is called 'Princess.' Primula two to three inches tall. Mary says that the plant Valerie Woolley, a friend in Tollerton. in Cold Spring, New York and La Malbaie in is attractive when grown in a pan. It's only in a Nottinghamshire, England and fellow APS mem- Worldwide Quebec. His years of gardening experience al- private collection at the present time, but hope- ber, says that she acquired a dozen of these low him to speak with authority and insight on fully seed will be available eventually. lovely plants from near Gresham. She is going April 10-12,1992- placing primula among other plants in a garden to try and harden them up, grow them on, and setting. perhaps use them for some crosses. Valerie Beaverton, Oregon Randall Burr set up a tissue culture lab in Choice Companion Plants describes them as lovely compact plants in a Expert speakers are confirmed for the inter- Skagit County in 1977. He moved to this area to gorgeous range of colors. Some are brick reds, national symposium to be held next April. You be near Dr. Wilbur Anderson and to learn from for Primulas some deep blues. There are whites, apricots, may not be familiar with all those presenting him the production of woody plants, lily bulbs. The bees must have been playing match- pale pinks and yellows. They sound wonderful! information in the formal presentations and the He has also studied with Dr. Marashige at the maker in our garden last year between Many have a ring of deep pinkish-red pigmenta- workshops, so further biographical information University of California, Riverside. Now with Pulmonaria longifolia and Pulmonaria tion around the eye. I wonder if Sakata seed are is included here. partners Bill and Bonnie Brown, he has estab- saeckaratavar.' Roy Davidson.' A very attrac- involved? Valerie is trying to discover their lished a plant tissue culture lab with a wide tive new plant, growing vigorously under a large origin. Workshop Leaders: product line. No one better to tell us about the cedar tree, has leaves that resemble P. longifolia The DiGiorgi Seed Company of Omaha, Ne- Frank Cabot, is well known in rock and potential for primula tissue culture propagation. but are about three times as wide. This new braska sells a Sakata Julian Hybrida seed mix. alpine gardening circles. A horticultural enthu- Will Simmons, California Specialist at the hybrid has striking medium-dark leaves con- They are described as having extra dwarf blooms, siast for many years, his interests have focussed Berry Botanic Garden, one of the Co-sponsor- spicuously splashed with white. The constant are tolerant to cold, and have a wide color range: primarily on perennials, including alpine and ing groups of the Symposium, will teach you sky-blue flowers are like those on the larger pink, salmon, yellow, red and white. As I recall, woodland plants. Recently, they have also turned how to begin with primulas, and provide cul- leaved named variety 'Roy Davidson.' there are supposed to be seven seeds to a packet to the design and making of gardens. He gardens tural information and growing requirements. 16 Summer 1991 / American Primrose Society American Primrose Society / Summer 1991 17 Mary's Gold of the skin which eventually cracks with deep An Almost Fatal Mistake The Sakata Julian Hybrida, 'Mary's Gold' splits occurring, particularly on the finger joints. stopped blooming a few weeks ago (late May). A current treatment is Betnovate ointment. made by Herb Dickson This the first time that it has been out of bloom However, as I already told you, I have my own TO fora long, long time. I suspect that it is the poor hot water treatment: soaking my hands and arms weather we have been having. Rain, rain, rain, in water as hot as I can bear and for as long as and clouds, clouds, clouds. possible. Then I wash off in the same water. Whenever the signs come on I do this at once. It certainly does the trick for me .... Sakata Primula Hybrids ... I have grown quite a lot of Barnhaven It's over ten years, maybe fourteen by now, [seed] this year (1990) and have about 24 trays lhat I have been admiring Sakata primroses. of their Julianas, Harbour Lights. Elizabethan These plants must be Primula juliae hybrids, Mix, double primrose, garden auriculas, and because of their size, and creeping root stalk. Primula sieboldii (Sakarusoh). They are all But what were the original parents? Were the looking very healthy.... crosses made in Europe or Japan? The commer- ... I do a bit of hybridizing in the hope of cial seed source in the early 1970's was certainly breeding something good. From double au- Europe, but did Sakata purchase seed and take it ricula seed sown last winter one plant, and one lo Japan to hybridize? Or did they contract with plant only, has flowered so far. It looks good, a hybridizers in Europe? This remains a mystery. yellow with really good form. There are hun- No matter how it happened, and perhaps we dreds to follow at some time or other.... " will get some answers at the "Primula World- wide" conference next spring in Portland Or- egon, you have to recognize the major Herh Dickson tells Editor Maedvme Martin about achievement made by Sakata. These plants are continuous bloomers, and despite the early Other primula growers should know about a seldom offered, and may not be available again. strains developed for greenhouse culture, there mistake I made in spraying my plants so they Luckily all my 1990 seedlings were not sprayed, are a few that are as hardy as the hybrids raised Remember to will not make the same mistake. I use two and are doing fine. in Europe in the early decades of the century. To pesticides regularly: Zectran and Meta-Sistox- The mixture was the most potent herbicide I my eye, they have much clearer colors. Save Seed for the R. Zectron kills sucking and chewing insects have ever seen. It killed liverwort, moss, weeds, Seed Exchange. and slugs and has some residual effects. Meta- everything, except primula in the Petiolares Letters from Bill Mason Sistox-R is a systemic, effective for 4 to 6 section, which suffered no visible damage and weeks, that kills sucking and chewing insects. I responded with vigorous healthy growth. I Since July of 19901 have been corresponding have also used two systemic fungicides with believe it was the chemical interaction of the with another primula enthusiast in England, Bill Send before good results. Benelate and Subdue. It took two four chemicals that made the mixture so potent. Mason. B ill and his wife Clarice live in Chiswick, applications each season to control the insects In mixing four products. I realize now I should London and grow a great number of primula. A October 31, 1991 to: and fungus that attack primula plants. have reduced the recommended amount of each lot of the plants are raised from seed, some of it Now, I thought I would be smart and mix all product. from his own hybridization work. Here are Seed Exchange Chairman four products together so that I could make only Be truly smart. Always try any chemical or some comments from his letters. Candy Strickland one spraying. It turned out I only had to make combination of chemicals on a few plants and "... I live about one minute from the river one spraying — everything sprayed, including observe the results before any wide-spread ap- Thames, five minutes from Kew Gardens, a P.O. Box 112157 shrubs and young trees near the plants were plication is made shortish bus ride from Hampton Court, midway Tacoma, WA killed outright or severely damaged. Luckily Herb Dickson of'Chehalis Rare Plain Nurs- between Datchetand Bromptonandnot far from 98445-2157 there was only enough in my sixty gallon tank to ery is welt known for his extensive primula the Royal Horticultural Halls .... do about t wo thirds of the way around my stock, selection. Luckily, Herh has plants again. He ... You say you have not had Primula allergy (206)531-4449 or I would have been completely out of business. writes that now school is out, he can hire some or itch — you are lucky. It's pretty prevalent This"was a major disaster. I lost most of my students to help in the nurserv. Also, the cool here. The itch after handling primulas is fol- named auriculas, many species primula and weather this spring has been good to his primula lowed by redness and swelling, then hardening some garden auriculas. Some of the named seedlings, and there should be a variety of auriculas I may never be able to replace. The species available next spring from his 1991 species lost included some for which seed is sowing. IN Summer 1991 /American Primrose Society American Primrose Society / Summer 1991 19 growing well, they can be set out in garden beds dormancy where there is no growth evident — Ask the Growers: anytime. they just sort of sit there until the last of July. I In the climate of the , like to divide them in June just when they are summer heat is not much of a threat. It's the busy making root growth. They are really a How Do You Get Your Primroses winter freezes with no snow cover on non- forgiving plant if you just give them enough Through the Summer? dormant plants that result in the most losses. water, and don't water limp hot foliage while the sun is still shining on it! From Toronto in the Great Lakes region Some of my plants are in an areacaught by the Dennis Oakley of Richmond, B.C.,Canada, riences getting alpine auriculas through the comes a report from Barbara Wilkins, who hot afternoon sun. but they are in the shade of a grows a lot of primroses around his house. eastern summer heat. grows primulas and other plants among her taller perennial plant, and are never thirsty. Refer to his article in the Spring 1990 issue of Growing auriculas in the eastern section of extensive collection of choice rhododendrons. These primroses really do bloom their heads off the Quarterly for a description of his trials the United States can be somewhat of a problem. If primulas were not so lovely, I would long in the strong sunlight in the spring, but I must be and tribulations as a primrose aficionado. I find our summers present more difficulties i ago have given up trying to grow them. In sandy very careful to water them much more often in We at the west coast probably have it the than winter conditions. soil on a south facing slope, they do not flourish! the following summer than plants in the protec- easiest of anybody, for though we occasionally Summers are usually hot and humid. Night The soil is likely the main problem, for while it tion of afternoon shade. Spider mites are not as "swelter" in temperatures of 75 to 80 degrees F time temperatures rarely offer a respite from the is a joy to dig, it doesn't grow primroses the way much of a problem if the plants are not stressed (25 degrees C) this doesn't usually last for more debilitating heat, so hard on primulas. But I the heavier soils do. The healthy and plump by drought. Youcanoverwater, too. Try putting than a few days at a time before it is over. have found that auriculas will tolerate an incred- Primula japonica clumps in a garden with clay a few impatiens among the primulas to tell you In my own case, I am additionally fortunate in ible amount of sun. In fact, a lack of full sun soil not far from here put my sad plants to shume. when it is time to water again. having a north facing house, so the primulas are often means less bloom or no bloom at all. A However, I struggle on with the more tolerant Different species of primulas react differ- mostly planted in the bed on that side of the three quarter sunny exposure will ensure a good kinds — some of the farinose and vernales, P. ently. The sieboldiis, for example, just disap- house. Originally it had been planted with display of flowers. auricula, P. marginafa and P. sieboldii. I am pear until next spring. You can't water the various shrubs which I dug up, leaving only two A few specific cultural directions are very cosseting them with spent mushroom compost, japonicas too much. I've seen them doing well rhododendrons. We brought in more soil and effective in encouraging auriculas in these diffi- and may yet even import some clay soil! in a very boggy situation, which they seem to made a sloping bed. Though the soil is on the cult climatic situations. I make sure that the Getting them through the summer is a matter love. I think the mountain/rock/auricula types heavy side, the primroses seen quite happy. alpine auriculas have a stony but reasonably rich of placing them where it is relatively cool and can also be overwatered if they don't have good With all the plants now from seed my wife root run. In addition, all of my auriculas are shady, out of the afternoon sun, then mulching enough drainage. On a hill they can take a lot of Renee and I have received from the American grown in close proximity to large rocks which and watering. They do survive, and though they moisture, as the drainage is provided by Mother Primrose Society seed exchange, and which my afford them a somewhat cooler root run and are not usually overwhelming in bloom in the Nature. You can also get away with a heavier wife has germinated, I have gradually had to dig some protection from sun scorching. To ensure spring, they are well worth growing, anyway. soil mix when the plants are on a slope, though up more lawn to accommodate them. Since our healthy roots and good blooms, I feed my au- They are pretty! pure clay is a difficult growing medium for the house is only a bungalow, many of the plants are riculas at least once a month during the growing poor things. in the sun at midday, so I have incorporated #2 season with a product called Huma Grow. Karen Shellinger may be familiar to you I tend to water about 5 am so the foliage gets chicken grit and pumice in the soil, and added a Don't be afraid to experiment with alpine a chance to dry off before the hottest sun hits. topdressing of peagravel around the plants most auriculas in the garden. They are easy to grow from her article "Primroses and Bantys" in the Summer quarterly, 1990. A board mem- There is less chance of disease if the foliage is exposed. from seed, and should provide enough material not wet overnight. But wet foliage is preferable Underone of the rhododendrons is a soldanella for even the most adventurous. ber of APS, she has provided some cultural advice from an expert struggling in the less to no watering at all, if your schedule doesn't which is really happy in the shade provided. allow you to water during the day. than primula hospitable Minnesota area. This is very different from our garden in north- The three most important things for growing Minnesota summers can be very unpredict- west England which faced south. A Primula Rosetta Jones, a hybridizer in the Pacific primulas through Minnesota summers would able from year to year, so we do the best we can. vulgaris there was in full sun, and used to reward Northwest well known for her exceptionally be: The only safe thing to do is plant the primulas so us with a cushion of bright yellow flowers every good double acaulis primroses, has some ad- - enough moisture at all times they receive only morning sun and are in high spring. Similarly, in Van Dusen Gardens in vice for growers in the area. - soil that has a lot of organic material for shade the rest of the day. If you live on the north Vancouver, many colored candelabra are on the For mature primrose plants, 1 don't have to its moisture-holding ability and yet pro- shore of Lake Superior, where it'scoolerthan in south facing slope and are none the worse for the take any special precautions during the summer vides some drainage the rest of the state, then I think your plants could exposure. However, most primula like to keep months. Some shade is preferable, but full sun - shade during the hottest part of the day: stand a bit more sun. their feet cool, so for those of you further east, I is all right if the plants are kept well watered. 11 am to 6 pm. would recommend some form of shading for the Fertilize through June. Primula plants must never suffer from a lack primroses in the heat of the day. Seedlings are transplanted year round when- of water during our hot, muggy summers. They ever the notion takes me and time permits. They are under enough stress, without drought adding Bill Brown, an APS board member from go into pots or trays. Keep them well watered to other things such as spider mites and slugs. I Blue Point, New York, writes about his expe- and shaded through the summer. Once they are find that primroses go into a sort of summer 20 Summer 1991 /American Primrose Society American Primrose Society / Summer 1991 21 Gold-Laced Polyanthus Mulching Your Primroses for the Garden

by John Kerridge by Cy Happy not from excessive freezing. Alternate with other mulches. Mrs. Berry used sand to protect and For some years I have been working to develop a good garden polyanthus with the distinctive gold I've been thinking about results from a few stimulate roots of potted primulas. When laced markings known for centuries. The objective has been to develop a good, hardy garden plant with mulches. They are all good, but some are better. repotting and dividing, she washed off all dirt, increased flower size. These are not show plants for the purist! Lawn clippings. Apply lightly right after removed damaged roots and pests. Then she Such a tall order has not been easy to achieve, nor do satisfactory results come quickly. Starting mowing every week or two. If you apply too coated the moist roots with dry sand. The plant several years ago, with seed from the American Primula Society seed exchange labeled gold laced much at once, it packs down, cakes and excludes was then carefully repotted, leaving the sand in polyanthus X polyanthus, I have interbred selected seedlings over the years to obtain my goal. I think air. No air, no root growth. Beware of weeds. place on the roots. Sand is a good covering for the original cross was made by Larry Bailey, and the plants have shown considerable promise. Not only Fresh sawdust. It stays put and lets airthrough, seed during the rainy season. did I cross-pollinate the seedlings from the original hybrids, but I have used pollen from Barnhaven doing a good job as a mulch. It keeps soil and Peat moss. This is not good as a mulch. It gold-laced polyanthus maintain the characteristic lacing. roots cool and moist. On the negative side, dries quickly and is hard to make moist again. It sawdust is not very attractive and will rob the blows away. It is best to mix peat moss into the Just as it is necessary to raise many plants soil of nitrogen as it breaks down. A light appli- soil. Make sure it is wet before putting in plants. with a bright gold eye and good lacing. It is from seed to obtain a good gold-laced polyan- disappointing that there is so much variation in cation of ammonium sulfate solves the nitrogen Chippings. Road crews and utility compa- thus, it is necessary to raise many of this cross to deficiency. nies frequently run brush and limbs through a the seedlings, but there is now a general ten- obtain exceptional ones. In general the best Well-rotted sawdust. This was the favorite chipper. The chippings are a mixture of materi- dency to a better overall plant, and certainly to forms in terms of lacing, size and sturdy stems an increased flower size. of the great Portland gardener, Mrs. A. C. U. als and sizes and, I think, superior to sawdust. have been interbred. I consistently select flow- Berry. It quickly turned her average plants into Smaller pieces blend into the soil. Larger ones Hardiness has been proven for this area with ers with the darker ground, preferably black. giants. However, its life as a mulch is brief - hold it down. Larger rhododendrons thrive in no problem from the cold during a winter with quickly becoming part of the soil. Soon the pure chippings. Some of the woodland and bog temperatures steadily at 14 degrees below zero gardener must pile on more and more rotted primulas do too. celsius, and no snow cover. This is admittedly sawdust, and the rule of moderation is broken. Mulch in summer for moisture retention and not cold compared to some zones. (+5 degrees The soil's organic content far exceeds the min- cool roots. Mulch in winter for protection and F.) The biggest problem is the abnormally eral content; it sours and compacts easily. Deep sudden freezing and thawing, drying winds, heavy, cold rain in the early spring. Rot sets in, digging helps. So does sand. heaving and keeping the roots warm and func- and plants are lost. Professional advisors sug- gested using a fertilizer high in potassium to Sand, rock chips, gravel. These protect tioning. Many primroses are killed by dehydra- crowns from winter wet and waterlogging but tion when their roots are frozen. stimulate root growth and counteract the rot. Since this treatment began a few months ago, seedlings have turned around and are growing again. Flowers from the crosses are shown in the photograph in relation to Canadian coins. These are similar in size to the American, and you can see there are a number of tlowers larger than a NATIONAL AURICULA AND PRIMULA quarter. This is much larger than the traditional gold-laced polyanthus whose flowers are ex- SOCIETY — Northern Section pected to be more like the American dime. The gold-lacing on the blooms shown in the photo- graph is not ideal as yet. One thing is certain: for Invites all Auricula and Primula Lovers to join in this Old Society general interest in the garden, there is barely any Membership includes Yearbook • « equal. The effect is striking. Efforts to improve D.G. Hadfiekl the strain are continuing, but they will occur 146 Queens Road, Cheadle Hnlme. Chcadle, Cheshire, England slowly as the plants never breed true to their Kerridge's gold-laced polyanthus seedlings in parents. The good ones are precious, and, al- the garden. though scarce, are worth the effort. 22 Summer 1991 /American Primrose Society American Primrose Society / Summer 1991 BOOK REVIEW

Primulas - The Complete Guide, by Mary A. Robinson. The Crowood Press, Swindon. Wiltshire, England, 1990

There are numerous top notch books on primu- las, but until now ii has been awkward trying to locate specific information on species, and hybrids without thumbing through a variety of books and bulletins. Mary Robinson's com- prehensive book provides information for the novice as well as the expert in a flowing, easy to read manner. I find myself using the book frequently for reference. Rae Berr\ Snapshot View

Most of the beautiful color plates in Mary's Flowers larger than a quarter already achieved through John Kerridge's hybridizing program. book are of plants that you can buy, grow from seed, or exchange with other primula growers. The book also provides a lot of valuable practi- cal advice on cultivation and propagation. Her perceptive comments will enhance your plea- of Rae Berry sures of gardening. There are answers to some by Cy Happy of those perplexing questions that bother the primula fan, for the average gardener as well as November 1955. I was the speaker at the the collector. November meeting of APS. The weather had turned cold, so I took the train to Portland. A There are several unexpected gems of infor- member met me at the station and drove me to mation in the book. For example, I have been Mrs. Berry's, where I was to spend the night. unsuccessfully searching for years to try and find out whether any members of the Vernales I hud never met her. I only knew she was Section (now called Section Primula) can be totally deaf and a great gardener and plants propagated from leaf cuttings. The answer is person. As we sat in her breakfast nook getting there. Yes —leaf cuttings are possible for some acquainted, conversation was uninhibited. She John Kerridge examines seedlings in his of the Vernales Section. A. wall of ribbons: John tacks up his awards on even understood when I mispronounced Latin greenhouse. the wall of his greenhouse. plant names. The list of Primula marginata and its hybrids is extensive, and the list of Juliana hybrids is We talked of other things-pride in her Jewish long and informative. John Ke rridge, Vice-President of the Socie ty this ye ar, has anavi d interest in primulas and auriculas, heritage, how she lost her hearing at age 16. I and has started Saltspring Primroses. The last winter was very poor for seed production, but next year w ish I had the background then to appreciate her This thorough, helpful, lucid and enjoyable ma\ kinder. fully. I think of her now as a great intellect, filled book is highly recommended. with energy that was directed at the silent world of plants. Review by Don Keefe That night the blizzard struck. By morning her energy was given over to her garden trea- sures and mine to getting home.

24 Summer 1991 / American Primrose Society American Primrose Society /Summer 1991 Rosetta Jones on oped by the late Mrs. Eulalie Wagner and her husband, the late Corydon Wagner, from de- Hybridizing Double signs made by the famous landscape designer \Primroses Thomas Church. Even the rain could not dis- News from the Chapters May Meeting, Seattle Chapter guise the magnificence of this garden. Many rare trees and shrubs achieved a size seldom About twenty members turned out for this seen in the Northwest. However, the blue poppy, meeting and went home loaded up w ith informa- Meconopsis betonicifolia, was in flower, to tion from Rosetta Jones on breeding the double everyone's delight. There were not many primu- acaulis primula. Rosetta talked about the impor- las to be found in bloom, but there was a stand of tance of setting goals when starting out on this candelabra primulas that were very well bud- particular primrose path. A good aim would be Eastside capitata. She has raised many of these fine and ded. to improve the strength of the flower stems. She The program at the May 6 meeting was a unusual primula. told of the recessive doubling gene in Primula X discussion of native American primulas, with Cy Happy had kindly invited us to eat lunch juliae 'Jay Jay' and how it has affected her color slides, by Thea Oakley, President of the President Gene Reichle is trying to arrange a at his home which is very near by. Here mem- program. She described what to look for to Chapter. Peter Atkinson of anomalous primrose jointly sponsored program with Jay Lunn speak- bers were delighted to see all kinds of promising obtain doubling and stressed the importance of fame, gave a demonstration and talk on primula ing on Native American Primulas, perhaps in plants from Cy's hybridising programs, includ- keeping records of crosses made and results. In hybridizing at the June 3 meeting. September. Jay's knowledgable article illus- ing a double pink auricula — to die for! trated with beautiful photographs in the Spring this way, we could develop our own line-breed- ing program. Later, she very generously gave us issue of the American Rock Garden Society Thus encouraged by wit. wisdom and lus- some seed from her crosses. Bulletin indicates this will be a program to cious chocolate brownies made by Rita Happy, anticipate with a great deal of pleasure. More on we went home hoping to find flowers on our Seattle this later. (Editor's note: the program is ar- own primulas with which we could experiment. The topic "Developing the Double Acaulis ranged for early September. Contact your Chap- Trip to Lakewold Primula" was presented by Rosetta Jones, well ter President or watch for fall newsletters for Reports by Barbara Flynn known in the area for her high quality doubles exact details.) | The following Saturday we visited Lakewold with such good form. Gardens in Tacoma. The gardens were devel-

The Chapter toured the Lakewold Gardens in Tacoma on May 18th. A report of the trip is found at the end of the Notes. Tacoma Stan Orton, the "mole man" was featured at A pot luck picnic is planned at Mary Seitz and the May meeting, to tell members how to outwit Don Keefe's at 11 a.m. on August 17th. Joe the pesky creatures. The June meeting was a Dupre will talk about pests and pest control. visit to Cy and Rita Happy's new home and rock There will also be a tour of Mary and Don's garden. Cy is now the President of the Society. garden.

Special Note Washington State All the Chapters announced the Annual Sum- A recap of the National Show, and show mer Picnic and Board Meeting to be held at Herb results were discussed at the May meeting of the Dickson's home and nursery, the Chehalis Rare Washington State Chapter who hosted the Na- Plant Nursery on June 13,1991 This is a pot luck tional Show this year. Members also remi- festivity, and all American Primrose Society nisced about the fun they have had raising these members are invited to participate —just bring beautiful flowers and the future we have in your own serving dishes and cutlery, as well as primroses. your favorite hot dish, salad or dessert. There will be a plant auction, and members with extra Darlene Heller, another member of the Chap- primula plants, or even other plants, are encour- ter, presented the June program on Primula aged to donate them. Landscape architectThomas Church studies his creation,the knot or herb garden at Lake\\-(>ldGardens 26 Summer 1991 /American Primrose Society American Primrose Society / Summer 1991 27 tides on native Japanese primula, plant biotech- Primula nology and sakurasoh. Worldwide Mr. Tsuneo Torii is Director of the Tokyo Metropolitan Green Information Center, head TB ) Exotic Primula megaseifolia from Turkey: April 10-12, 1992- of the Sakurasoh Society and acounsellorforthe Japanese Horticulture Society. He has written a a Hybridizers s Dream? Beaverton, Oregon book of Sakurasoh, as well as a number of articles on gardening in general as well as Primula Expert speakers are confirmed for the inter- by Don Keefe is good potential for hybridizing P. megaseifolia seiboldii. He also occasionally appears on tele- national symposium to be held next April. You with other vernales and Julianas. Imagine exit- vision programs on gardening. may not be familiar with all those presenting In March Cy Happy gave me a division of an ing new primroses in velvet colors such as the information in the formal presentations and the Sylvia "Tass" Kelso. lectures on arctic and unusual primula. Primula megaseifolia. Cy has Cowichans but with creeping root stalk. The workshops, so further biographical information alpine environments, plant diversity and evolu- been interested in this plant for many years, and possibilities stagger my imagination. is included here. tion, geology and ecology of the Colorado pla- I was really pleased to get a piece of the plant he teau, and plant systematics at Colorado College had finally raised from seed about two years In researching P. megaseifolia. I found two where she is an assistant professor in the Depart- ago. Keynote Speakers sources with substantial information, and I have ment of B iology. For many years she has studied put together some descriptive information on Ron McKeath, is a renown primula enthu- northern native North America primula, and has This primula has an important characteristic the primulas in this section. There were other siast and collector. He has lead several expedi- worked on evolutionary connections between that could have a major impact on primula references and they are all listed in the bibliog- tions to the Himalayas, Nepal and the Yunnan Asiatic and North American species of Primula. hybridizing in the future. Like Primula juliae, it raphy at the end. region of China. A regular speaker at rock and A record of her work has been published in an has a rhizomous characteristic, more commonly alpine gardening conferences, he provides impressive number of articles in botanical jour- known to gardeners as creeping rootstalk. knowledgeable insight into collection and culti- nals. As well as presentations at the American Section Megaseifolia vation of the species primula, based on his Rock Garden Society Annual Meeting.. She has Since early spring when I received this plant, Section Megaseifolia includes two species: experience at the Royal Botanic Garden, travelled to Europe a number of times to speak I have been researching and reading all I can find Primula megaseifolia and Primula rcnifolia. Edinburgh. on the biology of alpine primula and the phyto- 1 about Section Megaseifolia. The intriguing Megaseifolia is also spelt megaseaefolia in some Duncan Lowe, one of the co-authors of Primu- geography of . thing about this section is that it is grouped in the references, particularly European. The name las of Europe and America is a renown amateur A number of our own American Primrose larger subgenus Primula, which also includes refers to a similarity in the leathery oval leaves artist, and provided many of the line drawings in Society Members will also be presenting papers the vernales as well as Primula juliae. So there to the hardy garden perennial called Megasea that reference work. His articles on collecting or leading workshops. President Cy Happy and and growing primulas, as well as primula-re- long time primula enthusiast, along with Sybil lated rock garden plants such as soldanella, are McCulloch, an alpine gardener with a special frequently found in the Alpine Garden Society interest in primula, will survey the development bulletin, as he is a member of that society. He of the primula as a garden plant. June Skidmore also has collected in the Himalayas, and is a well will tell you about constructing a trough in versed and respected plantsman. Primulas are a which to plant alpine primulas. Karen long standing and consuming enthusiasm for Schellinger, a member of the APS board, and him, and he has an impressive collection about writer for the quarterly will present cultural which he speaks very knowledgeable. information for the primrose grower. Rosetta Two prominent gardening and Sakurasoh ex- Jones will provide some insight into her hybrid- perts from Japan, Mr. Looichi Ogaki and Mr. izing history of double primroses and auriculas. TsuneoTorii will travel over to speak onPrimula Kris Henderson will clarify the new nomencla- seiboldii, the Japanese show primula, known as ture for primulas. sakurasoh. Mr. Ogaki is a lecturer at the Tokyo Other specialists from Nurseries in the region Biotechnology Institute and the Dai-3 High will be there to provide further dimensions in School attached to the Tokyo College of Agri- growing primulas. This presents a unique culture. He is also advisor to the Matsumoto portunity to ask them your questions. Sakurasoh and Primula Club, and appears on Japanese television gardening programs. An- other collector of primula species, he has added to our knowledge of the distribution of Primula reinii and has written books and numerous ar- Primula megaseifolia in Cy ifappv's rockery.

28 Summer 1991 / American Primrose Society American Primrose Society / Summer 29 cordifolia in the 1950s hut more commonly However, away from its natural habitat, seed is Another In the Section I've identified all these challenges for primula known as Bergenia cordifolia. Both these difficult to germinate and few seedlings appear. The second plant in Section Megaseifolia is hybridizers. Who is going to set to work on primula are rarely seen in cultivation as seed and It is very susceptible to damping off disease and ^Primula renifolia. Curiosity about this member them? After looking at the plant for about a plants have been extremely difficult to obtain. definitely requires protection from wet condi- ^B /of the Section drove me on to research this plant month, I gave it to Peter Atkinson, who has However, Valerie Wooley fellow APS member tions in the winter. For the connoisseur in the too. from England advised me she has raised P. Pacific Northwest, it can succeed in cool shady several hybridization programs underway. I megaseifolia from seed from one of the distribu- outdoor areas. For less skilled growers, it will will go on gathering information, as time per- tors, perhaps seed from the National Auricula flourish more readily in an alpine house. Primula renifolia mits, and Peter can get on with hybridizing and Primula Society seed exchange. Divide your plant as soon as it has finished Primula megaseifolia. flowering. Plants produce seed freely in their Location: In its natural environment, Primula renifolia grows in a relatively small area in the Primula megaseifolia natural habitat, but set only a few in gardens. This may have something to do with pollination U.S.S.R. in the west Caucasus. This area is Location: In their natural environment, they Bibliography in nature by night-flying moths. Rarely find found about 40 miles to the west of Mt. Elbruz grow in a limited area close to the Black Sea, on those in Northwest gardens! in the Teberda Valley, quite some distance from the south slope of the Trebizond Mountains. the Black Sea. The plants can be found among Primary Sources The area covers a distance of over 80 miles in the pines and deciduous trees at an elevation of Halda. Josef. "The Genus Primula." Quar- northeast Turkey and the adjoining province of terly Bitlletinof the American Primrose Society, Hybridizing: According to records available, about 3,300 to 6,600 feet. Batum. LJ.S.S.R, in the western Caucasus. 25:47-51, 1967 P. megaseifolia and P. jttliae were crossed to Primula plants are found in moss and rocks, General Description: Primula renifolia was produce a hybrid. Lawrence Wigley has report- except limestone, covered by a canopy of sub- discovered in the mid-thirties but was not found Smith. G.F.. Burrows. B. and Lowe, D.B. edly crossed P. megaseifolia with a pink prim- tropical broad leaved forests, mainly beech. in general cultivation until about ten years ago. Primulas of Europe ami North America. The rose (Section Vernales) and produced a seedling. They grow in cool, shady gorges at elevations It is a dwarf version of P. megaseifolia, only 4 Alpine Garden Society, Woking, Surrey. 1987. The hybrid plants were sturdy and floriferous ranging from 160 to 3.600 feet. Often they are Complete descriptions of species, illustra- and both are said to have kept P. megaseifolia's inches high, and is said to be hardier. The leaves found under or around rhododendrons. When P. tions of Primula megaseifolia and P. renifolia, early flowering habit. are short, with a rounded blade only 3 inches (3 megaseifolia is found in a sunny location, which to 5 cm) wide, that are somewhat kidney shaped. extensive data on distribution, good horticul- is seldom, it will be growing alongside a stream, The leaf stem is slender and slightly winged. A tural information. with its roots jn the flowing water. > fully grown P. renifolia resembles P. obconica. Rhizomatous Roots: P. megaseifolia has a long rhizome with bud scale leaves that are 2 to The umbel usually has two to three flowers that Other References General Description: Primula megaseifolia are bluish-violet with a yellow eye. The plant 6 inches (5 to 15 cm) long. I have come across Blasdale.WalicrC. The Culrivtireil Species of Primula. has dark evergreen leaves on red petioles that are has a short rhizome. No other details are several definitions of what "rhizome" means. University of California Press. Berkeley and Los egg shaped to rounded. The leathery somewhat provided. How much of a creeping rhizome To me, a rhizome is a rootlike underground stem Angeles, 1948. hairy leaves are 2 to 6 inches (2.5 to 15cm) long that in some cases, may produce buds of new does it have? Fenderson, G.K. A Synoptic Guide to the Genus and 2 to 5 inches (2.5 to 12 cm) wide. The red growth at intervals, like P.juliae. The primula Primula. Published by the Author. Primed by Allen tinted flower stalks, slightly tallerthan the leaves. Press, Inc., Lawrence. Kansas, 1986. world was literally set on fire when P.juliae and Propagation: 1 have found no information of are topped by a small umbel of flowers. There Happy, Cyrus. "Spanish Mystery Plant." Primroses, it's stoloniferous root system was introduced to any consequence on growing this rare plant in are usually up to nine pink, magenta or purple American Primrose Society, 35:6-7. 1977. the hybridizers of the primula world. If P. cultivation. Maybe some of our fellow primula flowers under I inch(2.5cm)huiiaineter. Flow- enthusiasts in Britain will share their experi- Happy. Cyrus. "Diary of a Primroser." Primroses, megaseifolia has a creeping rootstalk that will American Primrose Society, 38:3?, 1980. ers have white eyes and a yellow throat. Unlike ences. produce a matlike growth of plants, the impact Lapin. P.I. "From the Mailbox." Primroses, Ameri- other members of the Subgenus Primula, the on the primula world could be tremendous. But can Primrose Society, 38:18. 1980. leaf blade for P. megaseifolia is clearly distinct does it? Lapin.P.L.Karpisonova.R.A. "Primulas in Moscow's from the leafstalk. Main ." Primroses, American Prim- P. megaseifolia flowers very early — in mid The Spanish Mystery Plant rose Society, 42:13-1?. 1984. winter or the early spring. One report says that Additional information received from Cy The final member of the Vernales section that Lapin. P.I.. Karpisonova, R.A. "Primulas of the it will bloom in the wild for over a month, Happy this year. His seed took two years to is not well known is Primula legione/tsis. the U.S.S.R Native Flora" Primroses, American Prim- starting in March. The plant is closely related to germinate. Two years ago. one of the plants was Spanish mystery plant which Cy Happy wrote rose Society, 42:15-16 1984. the vernales in chromosome number, habit and placed outdoors in a small alcove in a vertical about in the Quarterly some years ago. (Prim- Robinson. Mary A. Primulas - the Complete Guide. The Crowood Press, Swindon, Wiltshire. 1990. inflorescence. It was brought to England in roses, v.,36, no.4, Fall 1977) Outstanding rockery. It was sheltered from the wind and rain, Swindell. Philip. A Plantstnan's Guiile to Primulas. 1896, but was never a popular plant, probably and to some extent from the cold, by the rocks. questions remain: does this plant have creeping Ward Lock Ltd.. London, 1989. due to its scarcity. Cy estimates that he has removed about six rootstalk? What are the hybrids like that the Watson, Mrs. Susan. Pictorial Dictionary of the Cul- divisions from the plant each year for the past Spanish have made between Primula legionensis tivated Species of the Genus 'Primula.' Quarterly Propagation: P. megaseifolia is thought to two years. His plant has creeping rootstalks and and other vernales? Can this plant also be Bulletin of 1 lie American Primrose Society. 24(3):l- be winter hardy and reliable in some areas. multiplies and divides like a P.juliae hybrid. crossed with Primula megaseifolia'! 108. I967. 30 Summer 1991 /American Primrose Society American Primrose Society/Summer 1991 3! Two mystery plants have emerged among the primula in blooming this year. The first, from seed collected by an expedition to China, is like aP. japonica in habit, but has an unusual starry, Notes from the Editor maroon four-petalled flower. The second ar- rived in a batch of seed labelled P. chionantha but it is clearly not that plant. This one, which Our Fiftieth Anniversary APS over the years, and a donor to the seed may be a form of P. sinoputpttrea, has a tall, This year. 1991. is the 50th year for the exchange took us around, and we did indeed see stately habit, and large pale pink flowers with a American Primrose Society. To commemorale some treasures. Primula japonica and P. redeye. There is a lovely dusting of meal down our anniversary, I think there should be a special pulverulenta were in full glory, some natural- the stem. issue of the Quarterly in the fall. It will contain ized down stream beds. These plants are raised Another eye-catcher was Primula clutngensis, reminiscences of events over the years from from seed by the garden, and grown in natural reported by Fenderson to come from alpine members who can remember earlier times and surroundings in the section of the garden de- marshesat 2900-32()0m. in Bhutan, west Sichuan historical vignettes. voted to Asian species plants. and west Yunnan in China, and Assam in India. All members are welcome to submit material His description is pale orange, while this was a for this issue. If you are willing to report on your show stopping, bright, clear orange with un- history with the society, or have an interesting usual asymmetrical flowers which have slightly moment to relay, please send your information longer lower petals. Wouldn't the botanists to the editor by September the first. among us have a great time identifying these unusual asiatic primroses grown from seed col- Grown from collected seed. Primula lected in uncommon places. pulverulenta displays characteristic meal down The plant I enjoyed seeing the most that day Queen Anne Foundling the stem. A few years ago, Gerry Sedenko, an APS was Primula grandis, or P. Sredinskya Brandt's member and garden writer in the Seattle area. found a silver laced polyanthus in a garden on Queen Anne Hill, in which he was weeding at the time. It is a strong, prolific grower, and Gerry has passed divisions of the plant, which he has christened Queen Anne Foundling, around to friends. The lacing is good for a garden plant. though this variety is pin eyed, but it has a vigorous constitution and sets divisions with generous regularly. This year Gerry has some seedlings from his hybridization of the original plant. Next year will reveal what the progeny look like. We look forward to a report.

Asian Species Primula in the University of Botanical Garden In a flying visit tocapture some species primula on film before their spring season had passed into summer, I made a trip with photographer Jennifer Lort to the mainland to visit the Univer- sity of British Columbia Botanic Garden. Bodil Primula japonica 'Postford White' til flic UBC Leamy, the director of the garden, a member of Botanical garden, A drift of Primula japonica 'Millar's Crimson' in the UBC Botanic Garden. Summer 1991 /American Primrose Society American Primrose Sociely / Summer 1991 33 according to Kris Fenderson. It has received Then, when the seed are set, the stem stands An Elegant Primula Tacoma Chapter of the American Primrose So- very bad press from Walter Blasdale, among straight up in the air, providing comic relief A second article on primroses appeared in the ciety, and director of the seed exchange, she others, but, in my opinion, has a lot of grace und from all this aesthetic appreciation. BodilLeamy Xlune issue of The Garden. This one, by Brenda labels, sorts and mails each edition of the Quar- charm. Blasdale says: had sent seed to the APS Seed Exchange thb. mcLean, entitled "An Elegant Primula" recounts terly. " The flowers consist of long cylindrical year, and needless to say I requested some at the history behind the discovery of Primula This spring she was awarded a special certifi- tubes whose corollas split into five linear once. I hope it does prove easy from seed. vialfii. It is a fascinating story, as/*, viallii is one cate for outstanding service by the Tacoma lobes which expand but slightly even at Large clumps of Primula verts ssp colunmae of the plants discovered by the Jesuit priest Chapter of the American Rhododendron Soci- maturity. ... The single species [in this appeared in a number of places in the garden, Delavay in Yunnan. China. Curiously, there are ety, of which she is also a member. Congratula- section] was discovered in 1866 at eleva- including the herb garden, most appropriately. no references to indicate the sources of her tions, Candy. The American Primrose Society tions of from 6.000 to 9.500 feet in the This plant now has settled in so successfully it historical research. and the editor also appreciate your help. northwest slopes of the Caucasus Range. seeds itself, and a number of variations in the A member of our own society has also docu- Although introduced into cultivation in form are apparent. Imagine having primroses mented this story for our enjoyment. Barbara 1877 and found to be easily grown it has seeding themselves in your garden. Flynn recounted the history of this striking never aroused much interest. The foliage is primula for us in 1989. She spent many hours in abundant and rather pleasing but the pen- the Elisabeth C. Miller Library at the Center for dant flowers are too small and poorly col- Hybridizing News Urban Horticulture, and found some satisfying ored to be attractive." Peter Atkinson of anomalous primrose fame nuggets of historical information. Look her is at it again. Continuing with his Garryard article up in the Fall 1990 issue of the APS oxslip crosses, he has seedling flowering for the bulletin, and refresh your memory. first time this year that have apricot or salmon pink flowers. Contrasting with the dark Garryard foliage — what a picture. These are third Certificate of Award generation crosses for him. Another group of Once the Quarterly is printed, do you ever seedling produced small dark red violet flowers ^stop to think how it gets mailed to you? The with a stripe down the centre of the petal. Thej answer is our hard-working member Candy gene that produced the stripe in the Primula X* Strickland. Not only is she president of the Juliana 'Kinlough Beauty,' which originated in Ireland, is clearly there in these flowers. Candy Strickland and Cv Hann\t the National His next challenge is a double gold-laced polyanthus. There are seed pods. We look forward to reports of what the seed produce in 1992. There are references to double gold-laced polyanthus from earlier centuries, but no plants American Rock Garden Society that are known of in cultivation now. Good luck. Peter. We invite you to join gardening enthusiasts worldwide interested in growing plants from above treeline, other Barnhaven Article low-growing perennials and wildflowers. Take this oppor- The Royal Horticultural Society publication tunity to expand your knowledge of plants, propagation The Garden has an article on Barnhaven in the techniques, design, construction and maintenance of April 1991 issue entitled "Barnhaven, the End special interest gardens. Join today! of an Era." The author, Ken Beeken, who has "a plantsman's garden in North Yorkshire where Special Primrose Issue with 16 Pages of Color Photos—Only $5.25! primulas and florist flowers play an important Write Ken Nitschke, 1071 Acaule Lane, Midland, MI 48640 for Vol. 49:2 The cascading flowers of Primula grandis. role," recounts for us the history of Barnhaven, Notice ihe seed capsule that then stands up in (he Benefits to members include: and some of the superb hybridizing achieve- Outstanding, Colorful Quarterly Bulletin; Worldwide Seed Exchange offering Thousands ments of Florence Bellis. The photographs of Species; Informative National and Local Meetings—27 Chapters in the US and Canada; capture some of the wonderful colorful prim- Discounted Bookstore; Slide Library; Loaning Library; Garden Tours; and the Friendship In the flesh, the flower is a characteristic pale roses she developed. Seek it out in your library, of Dedicated Gardeners. primrose yellow, and the long pedicel stems at if you don't subscribe to this journal. the top of the flower scape droop in an attractive To join send $25 to Jacques Mommens, PO Box 67, Millwood, New York, 10546 linear shape like a small fountain on every stem. 34 Summer 1991 / American Primrose Society American Primrose Society / Summer 1991 35 Officers of the Chapters

Doretta Klaber Chapter President Anita Kistler 1421 Ship Road, West Chester.PA 19380 Eastside Chapter President Thea Oakley Letter to Don Keefe from the Dansk Letter to the Editor from Thea Foster 3304 288th Ave. NE, Redmond, WA 98053 Primula Klub This year... more allergy. At our new location Oregon Chapter ... I can tell you a little about myself. I am a we are surrounded by alders and Balms of Gilead. President Thelma Genheimer civil engineer, and have been manager of a This resulted in many weeks of being unable to 7100 SW 209th Ave., Beaverton, OR 97007 company where we developed and produced do anything but breathe.... Give me an ache or autopilots for ships. I am now retired. I am pain over an itch any day! Tacoma Chapter chairman for the Danish Primula Society. We ...One thing that has helped keep my spirits up President Candy Strickland have about 220 members in Denmark, Norway. was the flowering of a few seedlings of Primula 8518 28th Ave. E. Tacoma WA 98445 Sweden, Finland and Iceland. In Scandinavia. marginata 'Agee' X P. marginata 'Col. we have no language problems. We can read Champney's Variety.' They were crossed in Valley-Hi Chapter and understand the different languages. April 1989. and seed went in fresh in early President Etha Tate As far as I know, we are the only primula club August. Seed of P. marginata from the seed 10722 SE 40th Ave., Miwaulkie, OR 97222 on the European mainland.... exchange has never germinated forme no matter Our Society was started in September, 1982. how long the seed pots were retained. The Washington State Chapter and in our short history, we have introduced 'Agee' X 'Col. Champney Variety' seed started President Gene Reichle show auriculas to Scandinavia. I have had good germinating in two or three months, October 7140 North Fork Rd. SE, Snoqualmie, WA 98065 help from friends in England.... We have also 1989. and continued into the spring. introduced Primula sieboklii hybrids from Ja- The germination was low, compared to ordi- Seattle Chapter pan. In Japan they are called Sakurasoh.... nary auriculas but about twenty seedlings were President Sharon Meredith I am especially interested in seeds of Primula pricked out. I had no idea how long the seedlings 3016 W. Viewmont Way W., Seattle, WA 981099 X Juliana hybrids. P, pnihonica and P. vulgaris, would take to flower — at least two or three acaulis types.... years? To my utter delight the four largest sent The Berry Botanic Garden Yours sincerely, up nice clusters of bloom this April, 16 to 18 Director Dr. Linda McMahan Ove Leth-Moller months after seeding. The Berry Botanic Garden Danmarksvej 41B Two were brighter blue than 'Agee' and one 11505 SW Summerville Ave., Portland OR 97219 2800 Lyngby. Danmark had a showier white eye. The ones yet to flower are growing well. Leaves are lovely.... I have read so many times about the failure of P. inttrginata seed to germinate. Fresh seed . If any members have seed they would like to obviously the answer.... sendtoMr. Leth-Moller, I'm sure he would be Thea Foster, interested and appreciate them. — Editor 'Fambridge' 779 East 2 1st St. North Vancouver. B.C. Canada V7J IN7 American Primrose Society / Summer 1991 36 Summer 1991 /American Primrose Society 37 THE REGISTRATION FORM FOR THE 1992 w PRIMULA CONFERENCE IS INCLUDED IN THIS ISSUE OF PRIMROSES. Officers President - Cyrus Happy HI, 11617 Gravelly Lake Dr., Tacoma, WA 98499 Vice-President - Dr. John Kerridge, 2426 W 47th Ave.. Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6M 2N2 Immediate Past President. National Show Counselor -Flip Fenili, 7102 Citrine Lane SW, Tacoma. WA 98498 SEED of DOUBLE ACAULIS Recording and Corresponding Secretary - Ann Lunn. 6620 NW 271st Ave., Hiilsboro. OR 97124 and DOUBLE AURICULA Treasurer - Jay Lunn, 6620 NW 271 st Ave., Hillsboro. OR 97124 ; NEW SEED CROP IN AUGUST Directors Minimum order - 50 seeds - $5.00 1994 Rosetta Jones, E 170 Dunoon PL. Shelton, WA 98584 Dorothy Springer, 7213 South 15th. Tacoma, WA 98465 1993 Bill Brown, 43 Middle Road, Blue Point, NY 11715 Rosetta Jones E. 170Dunoon PI. Don Howse, 41370 SE Thomas Rd., Sandy, OR 97055 Phone:206-426-7913 Shelton, WA 98584 1992 Etha Tate, 10722 SE 40th Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222 Karen Schellinger, 31335 Kalla Lake Rd.. Avon MN 97068 Editor Maedythe Martin, 951 Joan Cres., Victoria, B.C., Canada V8S 3L3 Proof readers: Jim Mitchell, Pam Whitney, Victoria. B.C. Advisor Membership Herb Dickson, 2568 Jackson Hwy., Chehalis, WA 98532 Dues for individual or household membership in the American Primrose Society, both domestic and foreign, are $ 15.00 U.S. per calender year ($ 16.00 for renewals postmarked after January I st); $40 for Primula Conference Chairman three years; or $200.00 for an individual life membership. Submit payment to the Treasurer. Greg Becker, P.O. Box 3723. Eureka. CA 95501. Membership renewals are due November 15th and are delinquent at the first of the year. Membership includes a subscription to the Quarterly Primroses, seed exchange privileges, slide Round Robin library privileges and the opportunity to join a Round Robin. Elizabeth van Sickle. 654 Marine Drive, Sequim. WA 98382 Seed Exchange Esther M. Strickland. 8518 28th Ave. E, Tacoma WA 98445 Publication Back issues of the quarterly are available from the secretary. Show Judges Manuscripts for publication in the Quarterly are invited from members and other gardening experts, Al Rapp, 4918 79th Ave W., Tacoma, WA 98467 although there is no payment. Please include black and white photographs if possible. Send articles directly to the Editor. Maedythe Martin. 951 Joan Cres.. Victoria. B.C., Canada V8S 3L3 Slide Librarian Advertising rates per issue: full page, $60; half page,$30; quarter page. SI5; eighth page and Gerry Flintoff, 154 NE 194th St.. Seattle, WA 98155 minimum, $10. Artwork for ads is the responsibility of the advertiser, and camera ready copy is appreciated. Submit advertising to the Editor. 38 Summer 1991 /American Primrose Society American Primrose Society / Summer 1991 39 PRIMULA WORLDWIDE An international symposium

APRIL 10-12, 1992 PORTLAND, OREGON

PRESENTED BY THE AMERICAN PRIMROSE SOCIETY THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY & THE BERRY BOTANIC GARDEN

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Ann Lunn, Registrar 6620 N.W. 271st Avenue Hillsboro, Oregon 97124 U.S.A.