Primroses Summer 1995 Volume 53, No. 3 American Primrose Society - Summer 1995

Primroses In this issue President's Message Quarterly of the American Primrose Society President's Message 3 It seems that you are stuck with me keep as much color as possible in the Summer 1995 by John Kerridge for another year, and we thank those of Volume 53, Number 3 photographs, although this is very Shooting Stars 4 you who took the trouble to mail in your expensive and cannot be afforded in by Use Burch ballot. every issue. We have had donations Editor: Claire Cockcroft Cyclamen for Minnesota Gardens 6 4805 228th Ave. N.E. by Karen Schellinger We received a number of comments directed specifically toward making color Redmond, WA 98053-8327 Understanding the Asiatics 10 on the election. It may appear to be an reproductions, and of course more of Thea Foster, Content Proof Reader by Florence Levy (Bellis) exercise in futility to mark and send that these are very welcome. North Vancouver, B.C. The Common Primrose 13 ballot paper, considering that only one It has, as usual, been a very busy Miriam Smallwood, Typist by Penelope Harrison candidate was nominated for each spring with all the shows and sales. Purcellville, VA Soldanella 15 position. However, our constitution There is a curious lack of poly's on the Designer: Rebecca Nolte by Karen Schellinger states that officers shall be elected by a benches, at least here on the West Coast. Plant Portrait 17 ballot submitted prior to the Annual Let's be sure they are nurtured back into by Ann Lunn EDITORIAL DEADLINES Meeting, and it is necessary that we do popularity and not lost. This has Winter issue ... November 1 Under the Overhang 18 by Rick Lupp this. Ideally there would be more than happened in the past, for the old books Spring issue ... February 1 one nominee for each position, but it is list scores of named poly's that are not Summer issue ... May 1 45th Tacoma Primrose Show 20 around any more. Fall issue ... August 1 by Dan Pederson & Louise & Flip Fenili often hard enough to get even one. The British Columbia Primrose Group Show 21 nominating committee tries hard, and if Your society, through the local by Dennis Oakley you can help us — so much the better. chapters, is entering into an agreement PHOTOGRAPHIC CREDITS APS 1995 National Show 22 I would like to express our thanks to with the Rhododendron Botanical Garden All photos are credited. by Maedythe Martin Maedythe Martin for the fine job she did in Federal Way, Washington, to provide Vancouver Island RAGS Show 24 as Editor of the Quarterly. Members have plantings of primula. The garden already by Cy Happy sent nothing but praise over the years, and contains drifts from a planting done years Pesky Critters 26 by Renee Oakley, Ann Lunn, Maedythe can look back on all those ago by some of our senior members, and Misty Haffner, and Claire Cockcroft issues with much pride. will make an exciting display area for Journal Report 3 I Now we welcome Claire Cockcroft as primula. Thousands of visitors will be by Ann Lunn our new Editor. Claire has already gone able to see what can be done in their own Notes from the Editor 32 to work, and presented us with good ideas gardens! in Memorium - Ruth Bartlett Huston 34 at the recent Board Meeting. We wish Best wishes for a good year. by Dorothy Springer her all the best and I know you will help APS Annual General Meeting 35 her all you can, and respond to her John Kerridge, News from the Chapters 35 requests for material. We are keen to President <3r Board of Directors' Meeting 37 Officers of the Chapters 38 PRIMROSES (ISSN 0162-6671) is published Officers... .,39 quarterly by the American Primrose, Primula and Auricula Society, 9705 SW Spring Crest In This Issue -- Companion Plants Dr., Portland, OR 97225. Second-Class As you read this edition of Primroses, require the same growing conditions and postage paid at Hillsboro, OR and additional mailing offices. ON THE COVER you may wonder where all the primroses care as primula, and many of our members Asiatic primroses are displayed in huge, have gone. This issue is dedicated to grow and enjoy them, too. I hope you POSTMASTER: Send address changes to colorful drifts at VanDusen Botanical Garden companion plants in the Primulaceae enjoy this quick visit around the primrose Primroses, 9705 SW Spring Crest Dr., in Vancouver, B.C. See article on page 10. family - dodecatheon, soldanella, cortusa, neighborhood! Portland, OR 97225 Cover photo by Barbara Flynn. cyclamen, androsace. Many of these plants Claire Cockcroft 4 American Primrose Society - Summer 1995 * * American Primrose Society - Summer 1995 Photo by Lynne Harrison * D.conjugens 6-10" in height, with Shooting Stars * flower color from white to brilliant magenta-red. by Use Burch, Redmond, Washington * D. dentatum 4-6" in height, always white with contrasting basal bands of The genus Dodecatheon, commonly breaks the roots up and leaves them in a darker purple. referred to as "shooting stars", contains suitable position, each broken root is />. meadia Largest species, up to 24". about twenty species, give or take a few. capable of generating itself into a plant Flower color varies from white to red- Many grow well in the garden and are which may bloom in as little as two years. purple. useful in the springtime. Common flower The root weevil can eat the center of a D.clevelandii Intermediate in height colors range from white to purple and plant, leaving some of the roots intact and purple-red with yellow at the base. magenta-pink, with all sorts of intermedi- which may grow into plantlets. Some There is also one named D. jeffreyi ate shades. There are no orange or shooting stars seem immune to the weevil var. redolens that is reputed to be quite yellow forms (somebody prove me wrong (D. dentatum, for example), and others fragrant. I have never seen it offered on this). Flowers are commonly banded are a magnet, such as the white form of anywhere in seed form or otherwise. If with an accent color at the mouth, and D. meadia. any kind, merciful reader has it, I would with the prominent exerted stamens have Dodecatheon leaves are quite Dodecatheon meadia, tallest of love to trade for it or buy it. Please great close-up value. At a distance, they distinctive, looking like fleshy primula the shooting stars, may grow to 24". contact me through the editor if you are look best in a mass or grouping of three leaves. They have no teeth on their interested. or more. margins, and are a lovely fresh bluish In summary, the shooting stars are Shooting stars range in height green, except in the albino forms where Common species are as follows: very worthwhile companions to primula between 6 inches or so on up to 24 they are without the bluish cast. The D. alpinum Low in height (7"). in the garden. They are not the most inches. Dodecatheon dentatum is a little leaves form a basal rosette, and the bloom Color ranges from lavender to red-purple, perennial of plants, but with a half-day or thing and is always white, with a contrast- stalk (which is leafless) shoots enthusias- with basal ring-bands of white and more of sun (just so they are not sun- ing band of dark purple. D. meadia is the tically skyward, bearing one or many yellow. 1 am sure there is a white form burned) they bloom gloriously and giant of the clan, and its largest forms can buds that open into the characteristic somewhere. enthusiastically in the spring. I heartily be 24 inches tall. shuttle-cock shape. All of the species are recommend them! fc All shooting stars are summer variations on a theme, in many cases with dormant. They grow and bloom in the differences that seem trivial to the spring and require adequate moisture gardener. In fact, most of the species are during growth. Many species are drought differentiated by the color, shape and tolerant during dormancy, but do best if arrangement of the stamens. American Primrose Society Bookstore they do not get bone dry and remain that 1 like them and have a number in my way for long. D. pulchellum is the one garden, mostly grown from seed. I APS members are able to get special prices on these beautiful books: Auriculas, by Brenda Hyatt - $ 13US species that seems to be very tolerant of recommend growing them from seed - Primula, by John Richards - $36US drought; its roots will rehydrate even after they are easy, and often bloom the second severe drought. The majority of species year. Do buy a good form if you find one Address your orders and inquiries to: seem to like the same conditions as for sale, or mooch a piece off of a friend Thea Oakley, American Primrose Society Librarian candelabra primroses. if you can. Don't forget how easy they 3304 288th Ave. NE, Redmond, WA 98053 USA During dormancy, docatheon's are at are to grow from root cuttings if you have the mercy of the gardener who forgets a good one and want more just like it (a Orders must be prepaid in US dollars by check on a US bank or by international money where they are and digs them up. Of clone). Remember that seed produces order. Postage and handling: in the US add $3 for the first book and $1.50 for each course I have never done anything like progeny that are different from their additional book, or outside the US add $5 for the first book and $2.50 for each additional book. this! But I wiil tell you that if one only parents, and that only by vegetative means (i.e., cuttings, division) can you obtain an exact match. (\n Primrose Society - Summer 1995 American Primrose Society - Summer 1995

garden, another of my trials of a desirable on the west coast. Some have thrived and Cyclamen For plant whose hardiness here is uncertain. some only just hang on. Obviously some The cyclamen leaves remain ever- conditions suit them better than others in Minnesota Gardens green over the winter under the cover of the garden. the fallen leaves. During the next According to Christopher Grey- by Karen Schellinger, Avon, Minnesota growing season new leaves develop and Wilson, the easiest cyclamen to grow pink or white flowers appear for quite a outdoors is C. hederifolium. It is able to As I wandered through my woodland The cyclamen species I have grown long time in spring/early summer or late withstand severe cold as are C. coum and last fall, I was amazed at how well the successfully in the garden from seed are summer/fall, depending on the species. C. purpurascens, with the last two being species cyclamen I had planted over the the following: Cyclamen coum, C. Some of the species are scented when you more particular as to preferring woodland years were doing. Some had leaves as hederifolium, C. purpurascens and C. get down on your knees to catch the soil and conditions. large as the kind you buy at the florists as purpurascensfatrense. (Josef Halda fragrance coming from the little 'shooting All species must have quick draining house plants. My hardy woodland discovered this last cyclamen in the wild star' blooms. soil and some protection from strong cyclamen were started from seed in in the Czech Republic and says it is a As with any plant, for successful winds. They dislike clay or heavy soils, February of 1989. Some germinated right separate species, not a subspecies of C. cultivation you look at the growing though a steep slope may help. Light away, some waited until late summer of purpurascens; other experts disagree.) I conditions in the wild. Most of the requirements are dappled shade and 1989. am not bothered by this puzzle, I just following information comes from the protection from any hot sun. Good light The leaves are a beautiful marbled enjoy the plant! well-written book, THE GENUS is essential for good growth as well. green color and have many variations. C. coum is also said to be among the CYCLAMEN, by Christopher Grey- They are not fussy as to soil pH as long as Some have predominantly white mark- hardy species and although I have tried it Wilson (Timber Press, 1988). the drainage is good, but ideal soil pH is ings and look more silver than green. from seed, I'm not sure if I really have All cyclamen grow from tubers that slightly on the alkaline side of neutral. They really stand out in the shaded the correct plant yet. The authenticity of undergo a period of dormancy, varying They do not mind root competition woodland with their striking leaves. donated seed listed on any society's seed according to their periods of growth and — it may even help to keep the ground The first time I had seen cyclamen list can be questionable. (Mother Nature flowering. Many as they mature become well drained for the tubers, thus prevent- grown in the ground in this country was may have created a new hybrid that depressed or flattened on top. This is ing rot. Duplicating conditions in the in Oregon. The plants were a ground doesn't resemble the named plant, or the particularly true of C. hederifolium. wild means "A warm dry bank; sloping cover under the a/aleas and among other original plant was not what the donor Some tubers of C. hederifolium can reach leaf-mold in light deciduous woodland or woodland plantings. Since I am very thought it was.) Of the hardy species nine inches or bigger in diameter. at the edge of a woodland, among conifer fond of woodland plants, I had to try listed, all but C. coum bloom in the late In most species the tubers are roots, though not in dense shade; a dry some at home, even if I do garden in zone summer or early fall. C. coum is a late rounded and more or less symmetrical, patch at the foot of a wall or fence". 4 and sometimes zone 3 depending on the spring or early summer bloomer and as I but in C. purpurascens and C. (Christopher Grey-Wilson.) weather! So I asked some of our experi- have none blooming at that time, I either purpurascens fatrense, the tuber is Most species should be planted with enced club members if they had been able don't have it yet or it did not survive the knobby and misshapen, more so with age. the top of the tuber just under the surface to grow any. in their gardens. The answer winter here. I have now ordered seed of Josef Halda, in an article for the of the soil, according to Grey-Wilson. I was yes! it from a reliable source so will see how it American Primrose Society, said that you think in Minnesota we need more soil I couldn't wait to try some from seed, does. could slice up the tuber of C. over the tuber. So I plant my cyclamen as that is the most cost efficient way to Zdenek Zvolanek, who spoke at one purpurascens fatrense like a potato to by holding the leaves, with the tuber get a number of plants at once, if you of our banquets, mentioned that C. propagate it. I however do not have hanging in the hole, and when the leaves have the patience to care for the seed- parviflorum (has been likened to a dwarf enough of that plant to feel I could risk are even with the ground I push the soil lings. (Growing from seed is a good way C. coum) should also be hardy here, as it slicing it up to make more! into the hole. The tubers are about the to get to know a plant's needs and teaches grows up high in the mountains of I also bought tubers from another size of a quarter and I think they prefer to you to be consistently observant as well.) Turkey. I was able to purchase a tuber of source a few years ago and they were have three to four inches of soil over it this fall, from Potterton & Martin of very elongated and misshapen. I put England, who ship to the USA. It is them in different positions in my wood- planted on the shady side of my new rock land garden and shared two with friends American Primrose Society - Summer 1995 American Primrose Society - Summer 1995

Photo by Lynne Harrison Minnesota Gardens continued Water by standing the pot in a few inches of water until the surface becomes them in our severe climate. [Ed.'s note: moist, or use a watering can with a fine Planting depth varies by species. Cycla- rose. Surfacing with grit will allow more men planted too deeply tend to produce air to reach the seeds and prevent the odd-looking necks called floral trunks growth of mosses and liverwort. that allow growth points to reside the If the seeds are spaced well they can preferred distance from the soil surface. be grown on for 12 to 18 months without Snow is an excellent mulch, preventing disturbance. Premature pricking out may temperatures at soil level from dropping cause breakage of the first seedling root really low.] or cause a growth check. Keep the pots My happiest cyclamen are on the in a shady place and do not let them dry slope of a hill under a large deciduous out." oak, facing east with the hill behind it to The seeds I've received and planted protect the plants from the northwest cold were all in the months of January or blast of winter winds. It is my favorite February, so they were in a dormant state place in my woodland garden because it and would not germinate right away when is where I put my "treasures". They greet planted. You must soak the seed in hand- me every spring when I have had enough hot water with a little liquid dish soap for Cyclamen coum provides bright spring color in the garden. of winter and wander out to see if 24 hours. Drain off the water and repeat anything is peeking out from under the the procedure and sow immediately after you will gain an extra six months growth Seed is available from most plant oak leaf cover. the second 24 hours. Thus a higher and reach flowering size that much societies you may belong to, just look for Wilson recommends working moisture content is restored to the seeds sooner. The species cyclamen appear to the hardy species I've listed. bonemeal or well-rotted cow manure into and the germination inhibitors are do better if the compost is kept slightly the surface of the soil in early autumn. In removed. moist throughout the summer, even if SEED SOURCES: my woodland garden, where years of Again from the Cyclamen Society: dormant. The Cyclamen Society leaves falling and composting have "The first appearance of the seedlings I have planted cyclamen in the Vic Aspland created a rich soil four feet deep, I am may take several weeks after germination. garden both in the spring and in the late 12 Davis Avenue Tipton, lucky enough to not have to add anything The seed first produces a single fine root summer. I have had them come through West Midlands DY4 8JZ ENGLAND if I don't want to. However, I do like to which then develops a swelling just the winter in their seedling pots under the Dues: Overseas-7 pounds per year work bonemeal in around plants in the below the seed to form a tiny tuber. A leaves and snow that blew in on top of fall to give them an extra treat. stalk forms between seed and tuber and as them because I did not get them in the Jim & Jenny Archibald The Cyclamen Society advises: it elongates this develops into an inverted ground! 1 discover more tough plants that Bryn Collen, Ffostrasol "To start cyclamen from seed is easy, U-shape, which forces its way "elbow way! Llandysul, Dyfed, SA44 but may require patience. The ideal time first" through the compost. Finally the The Cyclamen Society suggests Wales, UK (England) to sow seed is immediately after the pods stalk straightens and pulls the seedleaf out transplanting in the fall when the weather List is free — seed price in dollars open. In most cases this means in July, into the air." is starting to cool and root growth is August or September. This is the time I have let my seedlings grow on until resuming (in Minnesota that would be Nurseries in the USA that ship: when seeds have maximum viability. they are the size of a dime as there is no only into pots, not the open ground). If I Russell Graham, Purveyor of Plants Any well-drained sterile soil mix is fine. advantage to pricking them out like faster am transplanting into a pot for growing 4030 Eagle Crest Road, N.W. Sow the seeds about one inch apart and growing plants. Seedlings do not develop on in the greenhouse over the winter, I Salem, Oregon 97304 then cover with the same finely sifted the habit of summer dormancy. This add grit to the mix for drainage. Cycla- Catalog: $2.00 & sterile mix. means that if they are kept shaded, cool men must have good drainage in a pot or and moist throughout their first summer the tuber will rot. they will continue to grow. If you do this 10 American Primrose Society - Summer 1995 American Primrose Society - Summer 1995 11

Why the Asiatics from areas of One of the main tricks in growing Understanding The Asiatics heaviest rainfall give trouble under Candelabras successfully is division after by Florence Levy (Bellis) certain foreign weather conditions is flowering, or at the latest immediately readily apparent, for though we water after seed harvest. There is a period later This article first appeared in the Quarterly of the American Primrose Society, Vol. 3, religiously during the summer we cannot when roots are short which makes No. 1, in July, 1945. On its 50th birthday, the information is still fresh and timely. We duplicate the coolness of the heights and moving inadvisable. To be safe, they should all age so gracefully! air currents, the clouds and mists. Take should be divided at least every two years the Candelabras for example. Practically and where hot, humid weather prevails, Monsoon Asia is a euphonious occurs in country mountainous beyond everyone grows them successfully despite every year would probably be better, but phrase encountered with increasing belief. The great portion of rain is occasional losses which this account a little experimenting will decide the frequency, and its association with deposited, though by no means ex- hopes to explain. With their swift cycle better course. Early and frequent divid- strange and unfamiliar scenes excites the hausted, on the first high range the of growth, prodigious bloom and seed ing is one of the best checks on crown rot imagination of many readers. But little is monsoon strikes and as the wind hits production, it is easily seen how this very which is brought about chiefly through generally known about the monsoon other successive ranges on its northeasterly rapidity and prodigality can shorten the the natural decay of the central crown than it is a seasonal rain-bringing wind course, losing more of its cargo with each life of the plant unless certain precaution- spreading around the surrounding new which drenches parts of Asia for half the encounter, the vegetation of the windward ary measures are taken. Rapid growth is crowns when conditions are favorable. A year from April to October. In contrast to slopes is affected accordingly. Naturally, always a soft growth and in areas of mushy spot starts in the center and if this summer monsoon which blows as a the leeward side of the ranges takes the intense summer heat, more shade and unchecked the entire plant dissolves into southwest wind from the Pacific and scanty remainder. The most abrupt and more water should be given. In all an evil-smelling mess. During unnatu- Indian Oceans toward the hot interior, the striking change in vegetation occurs when climates, watering should be done in the rally humid weather the occasional use of winter monsoon from the northeast, a chain is sufficiently elevated to inter- cool of evening lest the sun cook the wet dusting sulphur is an excellent preventa- originating in the China Sea and blowing cept the bulk of the rain causing ex- plants. When tive and if the down from the cool Asiatic highlands tremely lush growth on the south slope planted near rot has not toward the warmer oceans, is more often and practically barren conditions on the deciduous One of the main tricks in growing spread too far, dry. These are Asia's two seasons — the north. trees addi- Candelabras successfully is division will be an wet and the dry — and the winds that Thus it is that Sikkim in northeastern tional water after flowering, or at the latest effective check. make them so are termed monsoon from India, northern Burma and southwestern should be immediately after seed harvest In fact, a salt the Malay word musim (through the China produce the majority of the fastest given to sack of sulphur French) meaning season... growing primulas — most of the Cande- replace the kept handy can Between 5,000 and 15,000 feet labras, Nivalids, Periolarids and amount transpired. Allow plenty of room stave off many plant ills. Somehow it elevation there are, in the monsoon region Denticulatas. And that the northern for good air circulation. Use only leaf recalls the asafetida bag tied to so many of the Asiatic mainland, two main types slopes of the ranges produce many of the soil or compost for all Asiatics, but childhood memories... of plants hardy in the temperate zone; the so-called woodlanders belonging to the especially the lush growing ones; other When Candelabra plants grow old lush of growth and the slower growing, Cortusoides group, and, along streams, fertilizer encourages even a faster growth the flowers sometimes lose their rounded tougher types. (Below 5,000 feet, some of the bell flowering types. The than is natural. In their homeland the top fullness and open into skinny distortions vegetation is tropical — the great flower latter is also found in Sikkim and other soil is pure decayed vegetable matter to a with narrowed, widely separated petals. belt lies between 20 and 30 degrees N. wet areas but higher altitudes restrain depth of from three to fourteen inches Should this happen there is one thing to Latitude which corresponds to most of their growth. With the usual few excep- depending upon rainfall, but such an do — uproot and burn the plant. If it is Mexico on this continent — above 15,000 tions, all of the bell flowered Sikkimensis amount is not advisable in this country. caused by a virus known as cucumber feet coldness and growing conditions section in popular cultivation grow Candelabras can take, and much prefer, a mosaic, as it is now claimed, burning is make acclimatization here almost between 12,000 and 15,000 feet — heavier-Soil to better retain the moisture. the only safe course to take. In any case, impossible.) This difference in plant life sometimes higher — but seldom do they In the western and mid-western areas of it is always advisable to keep growing on ranging over the intervening 10,000 feet descend to a point where the highest the States a heavier soil may be particu- a new stock of plants either by lifting and climbing Candelabra, P. aumntiaca, is to larly desirable because of the hot sum- be found at 11,000 feet. mers and cold winters. 12 American Primrose Society - Summer 1995 American Primrose Society - Summer 1995 13

Photo by Barbara Flynn Understanding the Asiatics continued The Common Primrose resetting self-sown seedlings or sowing by Penelope Harrison, Yorkshire, England some of the millions of seeds one plant produces. Notice the leaves of such Many erudite articles have been for the primroses, shade or lack of it is deformed plants. They are usually lumpy written about rare and difficult primulas; less critical. [Ed.'s note: Primroses looking and the edges are deeply cut into here are some thoughts concerning the thrive on the breakdown products of sawteeth. This is the typical virus look common primrose, Primula vitlgaris decomposition. They may prefer decidu- and all plants bearing such evidence (Hudson, Fl. Anglica: 1762); Primula = ous leaf mold because it breaks down should be destroyed quickly to check its Asiatic primroses "early blooming", vulgaris = "common". faster than pine/coniferous leaf mold that spread by the aphid carrier. P. japonica, P. vulgaris is one of the best known may lack sufficient nitrogen when not the Hartley strain of P. pulverulenta and and most loved of the wild flowers found fully decomposed.] some of the Candelabra hybrids seem P. sikkimensis] up for lost when the end of April comes and there is still no sign. in the British Isles. The first blooms in The common primrose is locally most susceptible. In P. japonica the color Length of dormancy and lateness of early spring (February and March) herald abundant, but is becoming rare in some of the flower often breaks and streaks as bloom is influenced to great extent by the arrival of warmer days to come, and areas due to over-picking and also with tulips infected with virus. However, altitude and range of the plants in their few would argue with the poet John Clare destruction of its natural habitat. It has it has been noticed that new leaves often when he asserts: been picked for culinary and medicinal seem infected but later develop normally. homeland. After laying stress on the summer I love the rath primroses, pale use since very early times, with accounts Stepping outside of the Asiatic group for brimstone primroses from various herbalists concerning its a moment, one of the Juliana hybrids weaknesses of some of the Asiatics it is a relief to say that during winter dormancy That bloom in the thick wood and uses. The leaves were once boiled as always appears to have virus during long in the green closes, "greens" — Leonardo da Vinci is quoted stretches of wet weather but returns to practically nothing can destroy them except the enemies common to many I love the primroses whenever as stating they "are very appetizing but normal with a little sunshine. So before they come. not very digestible". He suggested their burning your plants be sure they are other plants — water-logged soil and root pests. Cold seems to have no effect upon (Rath = early blooming - O.E.) use for bladder stones; Culpepper really infected. There is much yet to be The common primrose is usually recommended the boiled leaves be made learned about this disease in connection them. They winter successfully in Quebec under snow coverage with found in open woodland, occasionally on into a "wound salve" (ointment), while with primulas. grassy banks, mostly in heavy soils. The Gerard suggested they could cure a The majority of Asiatics are herba- temperatures of 30 and 40 degrees below zero. In snowless freezing weather on the plants love dappled shade provided by "phrenzie". Modern uses are as an ceous, P. smithiana [Ed.: P. prolifera], P. deciduous trees and shrubs. They do not expectorant for bronchitis, using the dried poissonii, and P. helodoxa being the Pacific coast they have lain on top of the ground for weeks kept alive by the appear to appreciate pine/coniferous root stock, and as a mild sedative using a Candelabra exceptions which come composts, even when used as mulches, tisane made from fresh flowering plants. readily to mind. And unless there is a moisture stored in their fleshy roots. A few years ago such a negative possibly because coniferous composts The flowers can be candied and used as large planting, the herbaceous ones and leaf molds are too sterile due to the cake and sweet decorations. A word of should be staked to prevent injury or approach as this to the culture of the Asiatics would have been unwise. naturally occurring insecticides found in caution: some people are allergic to all destruction during early spring work. P. Unknown as they were to the average the resinous barks and needles. Such Primulaceae. The most noticeable bulleyana is one of the latest Candelabras sterile conditions prevent infestations of reaction is a form of dermatitis from the to show up but not as late as the bell gardener, a more varnished and appealing presentation was necessary for their the flora and fauna usually abundant in primin in the plant tissues. Ingestion of flowered primulas. On the Pacific coast deciduous leaf molds. The primroses primula parts by sensitized individuals P. fiorindae doesn't put in an appearance acquaintance and use as valuable plants for the shady garden. The above uncom- appear to have a symbiotic relationship will similarly cause an allergic reaction. until the latter part of April, and even with this flora and fauna and do not thrive The wild primrose has a delicate pale veteran growers give P. micwdonta [Ed.: plimentary baring of their weak points is in itself a triumph for these primulas; it if it is net present. Plenty of farmyard yellow single flower that has occasionally means that they are now so successfully manure and well-rotted garden compost and firmly established in cultivation will usually encourage these soil dwelling gardeners can take their cultural advice life-forms, though, and if the soil is right straight without blinking, ft 14 American Primrose Society - Summer 1995 American Primrose Society - Summer 1995 15

The Common Primrose continued and pleasant plants, but they can repay this treatment by over-lush growth and Soldanella spontaneously mutated to give several flowering themselves to death. They are distinct forms and flower colors. Some of not always frost-hardy, nor do they by Karen Schellinger, Avon, Minnesota these forms make good garden-worthy appreciate extremes of temperature and plants and most are reasonably easy to availability of ground-moisture. Soldanellas are among the most longer than expected because some were acquire. A very sturdy and highly recom- loved of alpine plants, according to later flowering than others. 'Garryard' forms, strictly speaking, mended plant is the double "Jack" called Duncan Lowe in a 1988 ACS article. I have seen soldanellas in fellow are a polyanthus type but some have 'Dawn Ansel!', that can flower on and off These delightful natives of the European members' gardens without the special single stems. The most frequently seen all year and laughs at snow, hail, gales Alps bear flower stems of fringed lilac or pine duff soil mix and I think mine look form is 'Guinevere', deep apple blossom and heavy rain. "Jacks" are part of a white pendant flowers that float above a happier. In one garden the plants were pink single flowers with bronzed reddish group of plants with mutated parts that base of short-stalked, rounded, leathery grown in rock garden soil with limestone stems and leaves. These first occurred in were first noted in the Middle Ages and leaves. They are scarce however, rocks around them, while in another Garryard, County Kildare, and are whose common names reflect fashions according to that article, because they are garden an acid bog was home for the propagated by division. The plant itself and beliefs of that time. Jack-in-the- difficult. That's a red flag in my face! plants. I know from growing them in needs to be split every two or three years, Green commemorates a pagan fertility So three years ago while visiting and pots that they must have good drainage ideally after flowering. symbol that was Christianized about then, plant shopping in Portland, Oregon, I saw yet be kept moist or the roots will rot and A great curiosity, known since the a face in a circlet of leaves, variously and bought quite a few different forms of die. 16th century, is 'Viridis' — the Green known as Jack-in-the-Green or The Green Soldanella at one of my favorite nurser- Soldanellas are not showy plants, so Primrose. The petals are a delicate lime Man. The symbol was frequently used as ies. (I am a CHAMPION suitcase plant if you're not careful while strolling green, either leaf-like in texture or a a "boss" on the vaulted roof of a church packer when traveling by air!) I had seen through my gardens, you might miss typical flower petal. They may also be and has persisted to the present day as a them in a park growing under a blaze of them. Their dainty lilac or lavender either single or double. This plant is Public House name. Early gardeners of azaleas that were in full bloom. What a fringed bells delight me when I work near incredibly rare and presumably expensive whatever religious persuasion thought the breath-taking sight — all those gorgeous them in the garden. I expect to see little if you can find anyone willing to sell you flower in a circle of leaves — the mutated colors. I was in Portland about the fairies dancing around under them! The a piece. calyx — looked similar to this symbol, middle of April, a perfect time for driving leaves are right on the ground, but the Other double forms have appeared in and gave the plant the same name. Jack- around and admiring the masses of flower stems are usually about three the wild from time to time and have made on-Horseback or Jackanapes-on-Horse- azaleas that are planted everywhere. inches in height. good garden plants. Easily acquired ones back has a tuft of leaves halfway down Back home in my garden in Avon, My soldanella bed is under a large are 'Sue Jervis', a delicate salmon pink; the stem, polyanthus style. This name, Minnesota, I dug a hole about 20 inches maple tree and enjoys high, open shade. 'Elizabeth Dickey', a clear yellow double also related to pagan symbols, commemo- deep by four feet wide. I lined this hole The sun never hits the plants, although I from Northern Ireland; the old 'Lilacina rates the Green Man of the Forest, Herne with two layers of weed cloth to keep the think morning sun would not harm them. Plena' (Double Lilac or Quaker's Bonnet) the Hunter. "Jacks" make very good tree roots and worms out of my pine duff Heavy shade would not allow the plants a delicate lavender-lilac; and the old garden-worthy plants, being sturdy and mixture that I got from a friend's pine to multiply well, and I think flowering 'Alba Plena' (Double White or Gerard's frost-hardy; some are easily acquired, woods. I wintered the plants over in my would also be hampered. Double White). These last two are others are not. The other, most often seen greenhouse that winter so I could divide The success of flowering soldanellas, delightful plants marred only by their thin form is the Hose-in-Hose, where one them and not risk losing the plants by according to some growers, is good flower stalks, whose double flowers flower emerges from the center of putting the only ones I had into the winter cover. The flower buds should not usually end up face down in the dirt. another, a sort of semi-detached double. garden for the winter. be subjected to severe cold temperatures There are a number of modern hybrids Its common name came from the fashion So that spring, after dividing the that would destroy the buds of next year's that have been micro-propagated for the for (men) wearing two pairs of stockings plants, I placed them in the special bed I flowers. I'm always sure to have enough mass market. They are perfectly useful (hose), one full length to the groin, the had made for them. They took off like cover on the bed in the form of pine other ending at the knee. These were crazy! Most of them have more than often kept up (at the knee) by a rosette doubled in size. The following spring all flowered well, for probably two weeks continued on page 16 16 American Primrose Society - Summer 1995 American Primrose Society - Summer 1995 17

Photo by Barbara Flynn Soldanella continued Plant Portrait needles and duff or leaves. I prefer the pine needles. Then the composition of by Ann Lunn, Hillsboro, Oregon the soil remains a sandy, acid one that drains well, yet stays moist, just as the CORTUSA- rose-purple flowers. The flower stem plants need for healthy growth. CLOSE COUSINS OF PRIMULA rises 4 to 8 inches above a basal rosette of I am sorry to report that the cursed A plant sends up its first bud and we attractive dark green reniform or cordate slugs find soldanellas a favorite food. anxiously await its opening. This is the leaves that look remarkably like P. They always seem to pick the most time of year when gardeners reap the geraniifolia. The leaf blades are pal- beautiful plants to destroy. [Ed. note: rewards for planting seeds and transplant- mately lobed, each lobe having irregular Slugs and snails particularly like to eat ing all those seedlings. I have been dentate margins. The petioles and the the flower buds during winter when they watching a batch of seedlings labeled undersides of the leaves are covered with hairs. There are several forms or varia- are held close to ground level.] I throw Primula heucherifolia in hopes maybe tions of this species. slug bait around quite generously; I don't John Richards is mistaken and some Other reported species are C. altaica, like the looks of bait all over, but hate the Soldanella villosa can be a vigorous gardener out there indeed does have the sight of destroyed plant foliage worse. grower that spreads fairly rapidly. true species. similar to C. matthioli\. semenovii which has smooth leaves and yellow My slugs are so vicious that they totally One tray of seedlings labeled P. flowers; and C. turkestanica (sometimes eat some plants, leaving no sign of them. these catalogs, and I am zone 4 or saxatilis (not from the APS Exchange) erroneously listed as P. turkestanica), The Soldanella species I am growing sometimes zone 3.) just did not look right. The leaves looked which grows 1 to 2 feet tall with magenta include the following: S. alpina, S. more like P. heucherifolia. Could it be? flowers. Josef Halda's seed catalog also carpatica, S. hungarica, S. hungarica ssp. The Bovees Nursery The flower buds were checked daily and lists C. sibirica and describes it as being 4 major, S. puxilla, and S. villosa. Check 1737S. W. Coronado finally, they opened up to be .... Cortusa to 6 inches tall with pale purple flowers. your seed lists and plant catalogs for Portland, OR 97219 matthioli. They are not P. heucherifolia, While botanists sort out the number these gems and try your hand at making Catalog — $2.00 but a nice surprise nonetheless. of species in the genus, gardeners can be them to home, too. Cortusa are members of the assured that the best Cortusa habitat is in Two of my favorite mail order Collector's Nursery Primulaceae family and closely related to cool woodland soil with light shade. nurseries are Bovees Nursery and 16804NE 102ndAve. the genus Primula. In fact, Richards Since Cortusa have a preference for Collector's Nursery. (I am able to grow Battleground, WA 98604 states that Cortusa only differs from the limestone, some lime might be incorpo- many things that are listed as zone 5 in Catalog — $2.00 * Primula section Cortusoides in that its rated into the soil. The plants are anthers are fused into a ring. These fused deciduous and will form an underground anthers cluster around a long protruding resting bud in late summer. One source pistil, giving the flower a dodecatheon- reports they are hardy to -4 degrees F. The Common Primrose like appearance. The petals, however, Cortusa are easily grown from seed, continued from page 14 remain in a forward-facing, bell-shaped which ideally should be sown as soon as ring around the anthers. Richards feels it is ripe. Propagation methods include decorated garter, perhaps the original their own or do their own photography. that Cortusa evolved from the forerun- dividing plants in early spring or taking "Gallygaskin", but no one is sure. Some growers research the background of ners of the Primula section Cortusoides cuttings of the thick, mature roots in late Growing the common primrose can the plant with all the forms documented, fairly recently. summer. lead onto other paths — many growers and as can be seen, sometimes this Cortusa is a widespread genus found C, matthioli and sometimes other collect old or modern prints and paintings background is quite unusual. I hope that in Europe and Asia. Various sources species can often be found in seed of their favorite flowers. Others paint some of you reading this may be tempted place the number of species at one, two to try the common primrose - the "prime and up to eight. The species everyone continued on page 19 flower" of the Middle Ages which was seems to agree upon is C. matthioli with praised as "the fairest and the best". <3r its one-sided racemes of 3 to 15 pendant 18 American Primrose Society - Summer 1995 American Primrose Society - Summer 1995 19

heavy bloom of sweet scented white foliage with many very small blooms held Under The Overhang flowers with a small green or yellow eye. singly on 1/4" to 1/2" stems. This plant by Rick Lupp An added charm of these plants is that has a long bloom period and self-sows after the blooms are pollinated they well in a cool, rich gritty soil mix. This is SOME EASY ANDROSACES almost stemless blooms of soft pink gradually change to rich rose pink from one of tiniest of the androsaces and the eye outwards. Androsaces are lovely little plants fading to almost white with age. The makes a terrific addition to a miniature Last of all we would like to encour- that are close kin to the primroses and stems tend to elongate with age as a garden. age you to try another little charmer for range from very challenging plants for the means of assisting in seed distribution. Let these easy androsaces add the more shaded areas of your rock alpine house to very easy going plants We have grown many seedlings from A. interest and charm to your garden. Give garden or scree. A. mathildae makes very that will self-sow about when happy. 'Millstream Hybrid' in the past and them a try! <3r small mounds of shiny-green, acute Here we will discuss some that are not selected a very tight mounded form with only very lovely but also easy to please large, pure white blooms to distribute as with a minimum amount of attention. the cultivar, A. 'Venus'. Both of these Androsace carnea and its various hybrids can take full exposure in the rock Plant Portrait subspecies all make very good garden garden or scree where they make attrac- continued from page 17 plants for us when given a well drained tive, long-lived plants and where they can soil or scree and protection from the form tight mounds of up to ten inches Photo by Jay Lunn catalogs or seed exchanges. For a nice hottest sun. These plants form slow across and only a few inches in height. surprise next spring, why not try them? spreading mats of needle-like rosettes A plant with a very different look You could have a nice patch of plants with clusters of small blooms that range that is equally easy to please is A. lactea. with, as Farrer describes, "taller stems from shades of pink to white, held on This plant makes small mounds of quite carrying a loose shower, like falling stars three to five inch stems. Some forms long dark-green needle-like foliage with of a rocket, of pendent rosy-magenta have foliage that colors in winter to elegant, airy sprays of white blooms with bells." shades of bronze and red. Seed is almost a small yellow eye. This plant blooms always available through various plant later than most other androsaces and is society seed lists and is well worth almost sure to self-sow a bit without SOURCES: growing for the variations that you find in becoming a pest. We like to use this The New Royal Horticultural the seedlings. Seed sown in winter will plant in a trough, where it looks good Society Dictionary of Gardening. produce seedlings the following spring as grown with the more mounded forms. (1992). Macmillan Press, Ltd., London. well as another flush of seedlings the Another easy self-sower is A. Farrer, R. (1930). second year in most cases. hedraeantha, a native of Bulgaria. This The English Rock Garden. T.C. and When A. carnea is grown in close plants forms tight little buns of shiny, B.C. Jack, Ltd., London. proximity to A. pyrenaica, spontaneous dark-green, wedge-shaped foliage that is Halda, Josef, Seeds *93. catalog. hybrids are almost sure to appear and a topped with sweet scented pink flowers Phillips, R. and Rix, M. (1991). Cortusa mathioli number of deliberate crosses between the held on four inch stems. Unlike A. Perennials. Random House, New York. two species have been made as well. One lactea, this androsace is one of the first to Richards, A.J. (1993). Primula. B.T. of the best known and most widely bloom each year for us and blooms over a Batsford, Ltd., London. distributed of these hybrids is Line long period. Foster's plant A. 'Millstream Hybrid", a An excellent choice for full sun in This Plant Portrait is submitted by the great favorite of ours that produces tight the garden or scree is A. villosa in its Oregon.,Primrose Society in lieu of ci mounds of tiny rosettes of needle-like various subspecies and forms. This plant chapter activity report. Contact Ann foliage covered in early spring with makes small mats of very hairy rosettes Lunn, chapter president, for meeting that in some forms such as A. villosa var. information. Or arachnoidea appear very silver and woolly. Most forms produce a very 20 American Primrose Society - Summer 1995 American Primrose Society - Summer 1995 21 45th Tacoma Primrose Show British Columbia April 1-2, 1995, Tacoma, Washington Primrose Group Show The Tacoma April22-23, 1995, Vancouver, B.C. Chapter (APS) had a disappointingly small show this year from the The 3rd Annual Show and Sale of the April Boettger. There were some fine P. standpoint of entries. B.C. Primula Group was held at auricula displayed by Thea Foster, who There were only 171 Southlands Nursery in Vancouver. Due also provided the signage, and many benched plants, with to the congestion within the nursery, we members brought various named show were located this year on the grass verge several divisions auriculas— 'Serenity', 'Argus'. 'Para- just outside the nursery gates, with the missing. Rarities and dise Yellow', plus a nice, red selfed. Oddities are always show benches housed in an A-frame Thea Oakley showed her green P. low, but some of the structure covered with fine meshed vulgaris, a rare treat for us. more popular divisions netting to provide shade. In case the A big thank you is due to Thea and had only low, single weather turned against us, a large plastic Harold Oakley, who provided overnight digit entries. The sheeting was stored at hand, but this security when all the plants were moved number and quality of wasn't required. into the A-frame, by parking their sales plants were high, UBC Botanical Gardens provided a recreational vehicle across the entrance. as usual, but sales fine display of species, including some The many fine plants brought up by April lagged both days. large pots of Primula sieboldii that many greatly contributed to the success of the Both members and of the public wanted to purchase and sale, and a fitting end to the first day took interested mall visitors were disappointed that no such large pots place when many of us trooped off to a seemed pleased with were available on the sales tables. Other Richmond restaurant for dinner and a our display of plants on species included P. cortusoides, P. reidii, social time together! the show and trophy P. modesta, P. chlonanthe, P rosea, and bv Dennis Oakley tif tables, even though Dan Pederson's Primula saxatilis, Best Plant in Show. some huge P. helodoxa brought up by these were located out of main-stream traffic. Our competition nearby table. was the Easter Bunny in the Rotunda and The primrose motif for special Gottschalk's sidewalk sale — plus a awards to the winning plants has proved beautiful warm and sunny day that kept so popular that it was repeated again this the usual number of visitors away! year—Royal porcelain cups and saucers, We continued our use of the Round/ mugs, plates, framed prints, notecards— Oblong table combination in various even towels and candy! In addition, configurations that effectively showcase winners received either 10 oz. Schultz our plants. Rhodies and primroses were Instant Bloom Plus or 8 oz. Green Light featured in a garden-like floor display by Super Bloom. The Pacific Northwest Rhododendron The Best Plant in Show award went Society. Master Gardeners manned a to Dan Pederson's well-grown and well- potted Primula saxatilis. A full show bench by Dan Pederson, at the BC Primrose Louise & Flip Fenili O Group Show. American Primrose Society - Summer 1995 23 22 American Primrose Society - Summer 1995

American Primrose Society 1995 National Primrose Show Awards Best in Division Description Exhibitor 1995 National Show Acaulis Large lemon yellow D. Springer April 8-9, 1995, Tukwila, Washington Etha Tate Award Polyanthus Orange red D. Springer The National Show featured a prime Rosetta Jones continues with her Hose in Hose Butter yellow D. Springer example of North America's newest double auricula hybridizing program and Wesley Bottom Trophy auricula — the Picotee by Herb Dickson. the newest plant was a very double Polyanthus/acaulis Light yellow, dark center D. Springer Victorian golden brown with a hint of Appropriately enough, this prize-winning Hybrid Julie Red julie x Jay Jay, no eye D. Springer green, a son of 'Brownie' which has won plant was grown by the hybridizer Jack in the Green many prizes in previous years. The scent himself. The sunny yellow trumpets of Plant in Show its ruffled garden auricula flowers were of all the auriculas haunted the show Ivanel Agee Trophy outlined by a lavender margin; its leaves bench. had a toothed outline and the plant was a A fine plant of Primula rusbyi Double Auricula 'Ralph Balcomf Cy Happy good grower with strong, sturdy flower representing the North American primula Ellen Page Haydon Trophy stems. And Herb was not the only species was staged by Herb Dickson. Double Auricula Seedling Dusty (gold) brown R. Jones exhibitor of Picotee plants at the show. These plants are difficult to raise in Mrs. C.C, Chambers Award Four other exhibitors showed Picotee cultivation, and this plant was in good American Native Primula msbvi H. Dickson plants that they'd raised. form. Primula bellidifolia was shown by Auricula Yellow green, purple edging H. Dickson The Primula subsection was well April Boettger, who had raised this Picotee represented by a prize-winning group of handsome Asiatic from seed. The silver Brightest Gold Auricula Yellow gold H. Dickson three cheerful yellow plants: Primula meal covering the stem and flower buds J. W. Watson Trophy complements the exotic purple flowers. acaulis, a Hose-in-Hose and a polyan- Gold Laced Red background T. Oakley thus/acaulis. Their exhibitor, Dorothy A new variety of Primula sieboldii Capt. Cotnley Hawkes Award Springer, returning to the show bench with a large, showy flower was exhibited European P. veris T. Oakley after an absence of some years, also for the first time on Northwest show staged the best plant in show — a deep benches by Al Rapp. Thelma Genheimer Species P. modesta T. Oakley garnet Jack-in-the-Green polyanthus that of the Oregon Chapter discovered it Rae Berry Memorial Award had the same dark red color spilling over growing in local gardens and has distrib- Asiatic White P. sieboldii Dan Pederson to tinge the ruff and the leaves for a rich uted it. The round-petalled flower is pale Growers 6 'Sunshine Susie' T. Oakley effect. Another deep-toned Jack-in-the- lavender-pink with a darker shading to N on -hardy Pink/1, obconica T. Oakley Green displayed an eyeless flower like the edge of the flower, giving it a hand- Pi'imulaceae Pink Dodecatheon A. Boettger the 'Cowichans' with the dark amethyst painted look. Decorative planting Salix, P.juliae, P. kleinii T. Oakley color typical of the deep-toned Companion plants filled a show table Sweepstakes H. Dickson 'Cowichans'. with a colorful rainbow of Lewisia blooms. A handsome, crisp Dodecatheon mecidia sported seven or more stems of blossoms on an obviously healthy plant. SEED EXCHANGE - GA THER&SA VE SEED! The large pot of double acaulis 'Sunshine SEND TO: MARIE SKONBERG Susie' brought by Thea Oakley rounded APS SEED EXCHANGE COORDINATOR out a fine spring display for the National P.O. BOX 70 Show. OUZINKIE, ALASKA 99644 by Maedythe Martin & 24 American Primrose Society - Summer 1995 American Primrose Society - Summer 1995 25 Vancouver Island Rock Photo by Maedythe Martin and Alpine Garden Society Show April21, 1995, Victoria, B.C.

It's a fifteen minute walk from the best primula. Maedythe also showed Oak Bay Guest House to the VIRAGS striped auriculas that she hydridized. The annual show at St. Mary's Church hall. striped genes for these beauties came Judging starts at 9:30 a.m. — the primula from plants that Cy Happy received in the section is towards the back of the hall and 1950 s from Winnifred Wynne in Ireland covers two tables. — 'Mrs. Dargan' and 'Old Irish Green' Primula judging starts by checking via Cy's 'Dusty Double'. that all the plants are in their proper Tony James took the prize in Section Best section. Only two primulas go to the 45, a group of three alpine auriculas, with Polyanthus, trophy table — the best primula and the 'Argus', 'Dorothy Campbell', and purple with a red best polyanthus. 'Forrester'. In Section 46, two of eye, Cowichan' In the show auriculas section, Victoria's great show competitors faced strain, by Tony Maedythe Martin's entry of two green- off with splendid entries. Reba Wingert James. edged auriculas, both 'Mary of Doonhill', showed lilac garden auriculas; Claire were of fair quality, as was her white- Hughes showed double cream ones. Both Photo by Maedythe Martin edged 'Snow Lady'. But, her prize plant, received a blue ribbon. 'Enchantress' — was a close second, but a purple self named 'Mrs, Hecker', won Species primulas were well-repre- was nosed out by its dirty pot. best in class and the Watson trophy for sented. Two lovely Primula sieboldii The judges' lunch at the end of won for Ken and Suzanne Muir of judging was a delightful part of the day, Photo by Maedythe Martin Duncan, BC. A nice, red P. denticulata with lots of good company, good conver- from Darcy Gunnlaugsson won its sation, and good food. section. And the Muir's took the prize The show had some wonderful with three P. farinosa. displays. Al and Shirley Smith filled two Tony James won in the vernales full-length tables with perhaps two section with a very large, red jack-in-the- hundred plants, not for competition, just green, as well as in the gold & silver for display. Bill Barker's miniature laced polyanthus section with a nice plant garden, a landscape on a table top, was having four stems. Ian Mctaggart-Cowan meticulously crafted. Jack Todd's Bonsai won with a soft yellow double auricula in collection is always a treat. Section 52, double primula including both Of course, attending a show is more auricula and vernales. fun when you can take something home Tony James won again in the with you. The Muir s had their own sales polyanthus section with a purple table, with very, very choice but inexpen- Best in class and trophy-winning Best 'Cowichan' sporting a red eye, going to sive plants. There was also a silent Primula, Maedythe Martin's purple self An unnamed seedling of the Alpine- the trophy table as best polyanthus. auction and the Society's own sales table, Show auricula. Ashwood strain from UBC Botanical Tony's 'Garryard Guinevere', having where you must draw a number to take Garden. quite richly colored leaves and flowers — your turn. so much so that it might really be by Cy Happy & American Primrose Society - Summer 1995 27 26 American Primrose Society - Summer 1995

over the place — good ones from V Don't use strong concentrations Barnhaven seed again! We suspect that V Don't get discouraged, try, try again Pesky Critters the culprits were the squirrels living in However, when a blob was running the neighbor's trees, digging down to the over the sieve I caught it on my finger Regional reporters were asked what sort of pests were encountered in their regions on cornmeal, so it was back to the drawing primroses, and how these pests were handled. Head on and you'll discover an effective and put it where any cook would put it — recipe for sowbug repellent, directions on how to catch that elusive, but oh, so board again. It was also back to the in my mouth! Wow!! Was it ever hot! I destructive mole that's been roto-tilling your yard, information on coping with all sorts of poison, as we intended to put a pellet in can assure you that I will never do that four-footed pests, and some suggestions about slugs. the bottom of each pot and hoped to Save again. Our Seedlings. Dennis had complained that there SOWBUGS on, had completely disappeared. How- Well, I went back not to the drawing were ants on some young primulas he board but to some old issues of gardening by Renee Oakley, Vancouver, B.C. ever, when he tipped out the pots to re- was planting in rows in a new nursery Reprinted from the Bulletin of the Alpine use them, he found in the bottom of every magazines -— special ones saved for bed, so remembering the warning Garden Club of B.C pot small families of— what else? — reference. In the May/June 1993 copy of regarding seedlings I sprayed the soil SOWBUGS! Organic Gardening I found exactly what between the rows, with great success, as Our outdoor seed bench is just cedar We were both furious, because for I needed — an article written by my kind the ants disappeared and did not return. planks on saw horses, but it serves its the second time they had eaten some of of gardener, one who liked to experiment Now for the sowbugs. Once again I purpose very well. I noticed that every our best varieties of primula. Among the with the use of stuff grown in the garden. didn't want to spray the actual plants but time I moved a flat, umpteen sowbugs hints in another magazine, I read that The one that really appealed to me decided to experiment with a mob I had frantically dashed to get out of the light, sowbugs are attracted to cornmeal, which was a Salsa-Type recipe with various hot seen when I moved an empty flat from a but as we called them "woodbugs" where unfortunately for them is definitely not and peppery ingredients. We grow very piece of old wet wood at the edge of the I grew up in England, I just thought that good for their innards and eventually kills few vegetables, so I bought hot chili bed. I don't know whether I actually hit they were attracted to the damp wood. them. Great! Cornmeal is available at peppers, some garlic, onions, and fresh any of them as they sure move once the Several seedlings had disappeared, low cost in Bulk Food departments, ginger. Our tomatoes were not yet ripe, daylight gets to them. But I soaked the but since we caught slugs up there, we organic, and much better than the and in any case I would hate to use them wood, returned the flat, and waited. Next blamed them, of course. Then I spotted poisonous bait. It did work underneath for an insecticide as they are much too day I moved the empty flat and oh joy — an item in a gardening magazine warning the flats but took much longer than the tasty. But I remembered seeing some in no bugs. This went on for several days, that while sowbugs were attracted to pellets. the freezer that were slightly freezer- but I did all this during our hot sunny rotting wood, leaves, and compost, they My first reaction was to mix a burned so I was glad that I had not yet got spell, and as the wood dried the blighters also loved to eat young seedlings. Well, generous amount into the growing around to dumping them in the came back. that really rang a bell, so we picked up a medium, but a friend warned me that it composter. Dennis suggested adding some oil to box of Sowbug and Cutworm Bait at a was also attractive to rats. Well, we had Into the VitaMix went a handful of the mix, which solved the problem of local nursery and I scattered the pellets fun and games with rats last year when hot peppers, two cloves of garlic, a how to dispose of some slightly rancid underneath the flat where there was no they kept visiting our greenhouse to help chopped-up onion, a small amount of oil, putting it to good use instead of danger of the birds eating them. The next themselves to a box of slug bait. Inciden- fresh ginger, a cup of vinegar, and half a sending it down to the dump. It worked! day there were no more sowbugs scurry- tally, if the latter is harmful to cats and teaspoon of ground pepper. I added the Day after day through all the heat wave, ing around because they were all lying dogs, why didn't it seem to hurt the rats? bag of tomatoes and turned the machine no bugs. Now to tackle the others, on the upside down, dead; and oh joy, no more Our next idea was to add cornmeal to on, whirring until it liquefied. In an seed benches. seedlings disappeared. The sow bugs the bottom third of the mix in each pot, ordinary blender, the ingredients would I discovered that it was easier to really had been the culprits. assuming that was where the little pests probably have to be added gradually, but spread it as goo on the planks with a Once the seedlings are big enough to entered, so that was what Dennis did next it should work just as well. Next I put it brush, so in the future I may just liquefy prick out Dennis takes over, but one day time he did some pricking out. Next through a very fine sieve before trying it it as much as possible and apply it with a he was disappointed to find that several morning he found a disaster! The flats in my sprayer. brush. Then I wouldn't need to bother that should have been ready for potting had been placed on the extra bench under The article contains a warning: the apple tree, and almost every pot was T Don't spray on seedlings nearly empty, with the plants flung all VDon't taste your spray 28 American Primrose Society - Summer 1995 American Primrose Society - Summer 1995 29

Pesky Critters continued can be reddish brown with an orange-red margin, grows up to six inches and has an with a sieve or cheesecloth. Also, instead appetite for just about everything. We of buying everything and doing it from call them "land cruisers" because their scratch, I will pick up some ready-made tough hides allow them to cruise the hot salsa when it is on special and add garden under drier conditions than most some vinegar, garlic, onion, ginger, and slugs can. maybe a bit of chili pepper. expeditions to determine which runs are Slugs here lead a good life. Most Oh, yes, the seed benches? They Thankfully, primulas are not high on active and therefore, in which tunnels the live from one to three years, during which stayed free of bugs even after heavy rain the moose menu, either. Instead, Anchor- traps should be set. She can tell you time they lay around 1,000 eggs. Since showers. I am hoping that I have cracked it. age moose love lilac branches and tulips. whether a trap has been successful Recently, a yearling moose stepped over they are hermaphroditic, both partners in without the need for you to bend over and a mating can lay eggs. Maybe that's why WAR ON MOLES a friend's primula bed to eat tulips. remove the plywood. She has also caught Another friend had a moose that loved for every slug you see, another ten are by Ann Lunn, Hillsboro, Oregon lurking in the bush. They do a lot of several moles by herself (without dig- raspberry bushes. So she had to cover the ging) and proudly brought them for our lurking during the day, hiding in cool, Our property is surrounded by fields bushes with chicken wire. Electrical inspection. No, she is not available for dark, damp places, coming out to feed at and pastures. Particularly during the fencing is not recommended, because it rent! night. My garden is damp woodland, so summer, moles move in to find worms just makes a moose mad, and a mad more often than not they are busy feeding and grubs in the moister soil of the moose will charge all over and rip up during the day, too. Double duty, double garden. We have two weapons in this DEER, BEAR, MOOSE, ETC. your garden! damage! war on these earth-moving pests. by Misty Haffner, Juneau, Alaska Slugs lay their eggs in batches under The trap used is the smallest size of SLUGGING IT OUT We surveyed gardeners from dead leaves, in compost piles, in between cinch trap, a style normally used for by Claire Cockcroft, Redmond, WA different parts of Alasks to see if they had the side of a pot and its soil, or in the soil gophers. The most effective style is the any problems with deer and other large at the base of a particularly tasty plant, one with the trigger ring close to the Here in the Pacific Northwest, we critters. I'm glad to report that primroses like a primula. The white or cream cinch. A recent mound is located and the joke that the slug should be the official aren't on most deer menus. colored eggs, one-eighth inch in diameter, soft dirt is removed to the level of the Washington state animal. After all, it Folks who live on the Alaskan are easily recognized (they look like tiny bottom of the run. The run itself is dug outnumbers every other creature! coastal islands report the most troubles. pearls) and should be destroyed whenever out until there is a straight section of Washington has more than 20 One member found that solar powered detected. Baby slugs hatch immediately tunnel at least 6 or 8 inches long. different kinds of slugs, those land electrical fencing is effective on both deer if conditions are right, but they can also The trap is set and inserted in the run molluscs akin to clams and oysters. Our and bear in his vegetable garden. An- overwinter in protected spots and hatch until the wide end will go no further. A native banana slug, Ariolimox other uses wire fencing to keep deer out later. During our rainy summers, slugs long, galvanized nail through the trap columbianus, can grow to six inches or of the flowers. In a remote region on are hatching almost continuously! plate helps stabilize and anchor the trap. more. Fortunately, its appetite is mostly Kodiak Island, one member had a The sheer quantity of slugs in a Soft dirt is then piled around the trap and for decaying matter rather than for problem with bear in the compost pile garden can be discouraging, but there are hole to eliminate any light entering the growing plants. The same cannot be said and in the greenhouses, but a large dog ways to combat them. The first method is run. Another method is to use a piece of for two nasty imports: the milky slug, took care of that. hand picking, but not for the faint of plywood to cover the entire excavated Agriolimox reticulatus, and the European Instead of deer, Kenai, Anchorage, heart. I like to go out in the early hole. The traps are then check frequently black slug, Arion ater. The pale gray morning when the dew is heavy. and the fingers are crossed. and interior Alaska members have colored milky slug, which exudes a milky caribou and moose. Moose are a problem Evening searches work well, too. The second weapon? Oh, yes, that is slime when irritated, is only about two The key to success here is to hand pick on our 7-year-old chocolate Labrador in the winter time. They come down to inches long when fully grown, but makes the lower areas where the snow is not so a regular basis. I drop the slugs into a retriever. She goes along on the trapping up for its diminutive size with a voracious plastic bag that goes in the freezer until deep and it is warmer. In winters when appetite. Baby milky slugs seem to feed there is no snow cover, they will eat any in herds, and can easily defoliate a small and everything they can find. plant overnight. The black slug, which American Primrose Society - Summer 1995 30 American Primrose Society - Summer 1995 31

Pesky Critters continued drown in the mix. Place a shallow container (an empty tuna can, for in- Journal Report trash day. (To me, freezing seems the stance) in the soil next to vulnerable by Ann Lunn, Hiilsboro, Oregon most humane disposal.) Dropping the plants. Make sure the rim is an inch slugs into a bucket that has about a half above the soil level; otherwise, you run RARE PRIMULA species spreads by stolons in much the inch of salt on the bottom of it or sprin- the risk of drowning beneficial ground same manner as other members of this kling a few grains of salt on an individual Are you familiar with Primula beetles that eat slugs. Commercial section. slug is also effective. Everyone has their maximowiczii, P. bella ssp. nanobella, P. containers specifically made for this, P. caveana (Cordifoliae section) is a own method — my husband is known as palmata or P. caveanal If not, check out some with lids to keep the rain out, are very small plant from the Himalayas. "Tom the Impaler". the March 1995 issue of the Bulletin of also available in garden centers. The beer the Alpine Garden Society. In an article Naturally found in rock crevices in high You can make finding the slugs or yeast mixture breaks down quickly, so "Some Interesting Plants at the Shows alpine areas, this specimen was grown in easier by first eliminating their usual dump and renew every three or four days, a shaded part of an alpine house in a well- daytime hiding places by cleaning up 1993-94," Clare Brightman describes the more often in rainy weather. revival of Asiatic primulas on the show drained humusy soil mix. Abundant garden debris and weeds from around Slug baits containing a molluscicide benches. moisture is needed during the growth your plants. Then create artificial are hazardous to children, pets, birds, and period, but not during dormancy. The daytime hideaways, by placing damp P. maximowiczii (Crystallophlomis carnivorous ground beetles; as with all resulting exhibition plant had several boards or other flat material near your section), native to northern China, has poisons, follow label directions carefully. crowns, but was only two inches in plants; check these several times a day by whorls of deep red flowers on 16-inch The King County (WA) Cooperative stems. The author feels it might be diameter! The flowers are a rich pink turning the boards over and disposing of Extension recommends using an empty difficult to maintain in cultivation. The with a yellow eye. any slugs you may find. coffee can with its plastic lid intact. To I have had good luck in my seed beds show specimen had been grown out-of- use, punch holes in the side of the can doors in a plunge bed. The potting DIVIDING (RIPPING APART) with slug fencing, now more readily near its bottom, place the bait on the available in garden centers. A one inch mixture was a combination of well- YOUR PRIMULAS underside of the lid, then turn the empty draining alpine plant mix and grit. wide band of copper flashing stretched can over and force it down over the lid. As always, Ian Scott combines completely around raised beds seems to P. bella ssp. nanobella humor with useful information in his Put a rock on the top to keep the can (Minutissimae section) made an appear- keep slugs out by giving them an electri- from tipping over. This upside down trap article on dividing some of the lesser- cal shock when they try to crawl across it. ance at an autumn show. Aptly named, known primulas. See the January 1995 keeps the bait dry, so it won't mold — the diminutive plant has rosettes of leaves Be careful that leaves and sticks don't slugs won't eat moldy bait — and also issue of the Journal of the Scottish Rock only one half inch long. The flowers are provide a "stairway to heaven'1 over the prevents access by pets, etc. Garden Club. Ian Scott is a member of flashing. Wipe the flashing down rosy pink with a yellow center. The show APS and a generous contributor to the Finally, ducks, geese, and chickens plant was grown out-of-doors on a north periodically to keep the surface reactive. find slugs a tasty treat. If you can control Seed Exchange. facing slope in soil contain 50 percent Baiting is another choice for slug them from pinching your nice green The object (victim?) of this process leafmould. control, although in my moist garden the plants, they'll control the slugs. Garter was a two-year-old root-bound plant of P. Other, more commonly known plant menu seems to be so good that slugs snakes and toads, along with carnivorous barnardoana with three major crowns. primulas were exhibited: P. allionii, P. Separation of the crowns was accom- pass most baits by. With poison baits, ground beetles, munch on slugs, too. I've also found that the bait's ability to macrophylla, P. hirsuta, and even the plished only after washing off the roots Methods that don't seem to work around native American P. rusbyi. attract slugs far outlives its ability to kill here are those that rely on an irritant laid and carefully pulling apart the crowns. them, drawing them to choice plants that In the same article, both P. palmata The resulting crowns and some smaller down on the soil. Ground glass, dry lime, and P. caveana were described as plants I'd rather they didn't notice were there. and dry ashes are all ineffective in my area. pieces that had broken off during the Empty citrus halves will attract slugs, but for the shady garden. P. palmata division were potted up and left in a Whatever method you choose to (Cortusoides section) appears to be well may attract other varmints as well. Check reduce slug populations, the most shady area. Even though a majority of them frequently and dispose of any slugs suited to a shady woodland. The leaves effective time to take action is before continued on page 33 as previously described. Beer or brewer's have a curious, distinctively toothed adult slugs start their serious reproduction umbrella shape. Rosy pink, star-shaped yeast in water will attract slugs, which efforts in late summer on into fall. flowers rise above the leaves. This continued on page 34 American Primrose Society - Summer 1995 American Primrose Society - Summer 1995 33

year, can be prohibitive for a small been searching for ways to fund it. One Notes from the Editor society such as the APS. In the past, means is to raise dues by a small amount, individuals or chapters have donated although this is not a popular suggestion. THANK YOU, MAEDYTHE the taste, work by being absorbed funds to cover color printing for specific Your ideas for a solution to the editions. These contributions are greatly problem are appreciated. If you, your In the spring of 1991, Macdythe systemically into various coniferous appreciated; without them, the quarterly's group, or chapter would like to help, Martin took up the editor's pen for seedlings and plants. The only draw- world would be only black and white. contributions can be earmarked to cover Primroses. After four years and sixteen back appears to be the skunk-like odor Because so many of you have the costs of color printing. 6 quarterly editions, she has earned her of the spray. John planned to try these expressed your desire for us to continue retirement and the gratitude of the APS products and will report on their efficacy using color, APS Board members have for a job well done. in a later quarterly. Many members have sent notes expressing their appreciation of the care ROUND ROBIN NEWS and enthusiasm that Maedythe put into Don Keefe, the APS Round Robin Journal Report the job. The Alaska group in particular Chairman, has resigned because of ill continued from page 31 wished to thank Maedythe for her work health. Don oversaw the resurrection of as editor. Most of the Alaska member- the Round Robin last year and has done the fine roots were lost in the washing candelabra hybrids and P. vialii was ship joined the APS under her editorship, a marvelous job of starting up and operation, all crowns and even some of constructed by APS members, Ernie and and Maedythe quickly made them feel coordinating three Round Robin circles. the smaller pieces survived the treatment Marietta O'Byrne, APS members from part of the Society. The APS, and in particular the members and recovered. Eugene, Oregon. O Maedythe can be rightly proud of of the Round Robins, appreciate Don's The separation of a multi-crowned P. the quality and growth seen in Primroses. efforts and will miss him. pinnatifida was also successful. The Her dedication and hard work will be Don wants everyone to know that he roots of this species came apart more missed. All is not lost, however — regrets having to drop out of the Round easily. Maedythe promises to continue her Robin so soon. He enjoyed participating lan's single pot of P. uniflora had MT, TAHOMA NURSERY involvement in the APS, while now and had anticipated being involved for apparently rotted during the winter. having more time for her own garden. an interesting and prolonged period. There were, however, still some viable We look forward to more articles by her Edward Davis has kindly offered to Rick Lupp (206) 847-9827 roots which were removed from the pot in the quarterly, as well as more of her take over the chairmanship. As each of and repotted. The root cuttings took and Alpines, Washington State stunning striped auriculas in APS shows. the letter packets of the three Round all grew to produce plants. Natives, Species Primulas, Robins make their way back to Don, he Troughs MORE ON DEER will forward them on to Ed, who will take over from there. WATER GARDENING and Trough Plants John Kerridge reports that by mid- Custom Propagation Any questions about the Round Many of our most well-loved March, deer near his Saltspring nursery Robin should now be addressed to: primulas delight in growing near water. were nibbling off primrose buds and early Nursery open Edward Davis However, the thought of building a water flowers besides the foliage. Hopes for by appointment only 226 South High Street garden can be a bit daunting to say the show material or seed production were least. Mail Order in U.S. & Hillsboro, Ohio 45133 rapidly dwindling. He forwarded a flyer Canada only (513)393-3200 The May/June 1995 issue of Na- for ANIPEL products, designed to repel tional Gardening features step-by-step white-tailed and mule deer, elk, moose, Send $1.00 for Plant List TO COLOR OR NOT TO COLOR illustrated instructions for constructing a gophers, jack rabbits, prairie dogs, small, very attractive water feature at a 28111 - 112th Avenue E. You'll notice that this edition of beavers, field mice, voles, and porcu- cost of less than $200 in 1987. The Graham, Washington 98338 Primroses has a color cover but no color pines. These products, extremely bitter to article contains several nice photographs photos inside. The additional cost of of completed water gardens or ponds. color printing, even just four times a One which provided an ideal habitat for American Primrose Society - Summer 1995 35 34 American Primrose Society - Summer 1995

In Memorium - APS Annual General Meeting Held April 8, 1995, Tukwila, Washington Ruth Bartlett Huston Rosetta Jones, President of the Washing- cannot help but feel very humble. Herb is Ruth Bartlett Huston, who died in she operated Spring Hill Farm in Gig ton State Chapter, welcomed members and such a wonderful gentleman, always so December, 1994, played an important Harbor, Washington, just across the guests and introduced APS President Dr. John helpful with good advice to us Easterners... Kerridge, who also welcomed those present. Narrows Bridge from Tacoma. She is My best to all the avid primrose growers. role in the history of the American Dr. Kerridge thanked Maedythe Martin, remembered fondly by her many Spring Sorry I can't be with you. Primrose Society. Her contributions the outgoing Primroses Editor, for her service Gratefully, were quiet ones, unknown to those near Hill customers, who still grow plants to the Society. Anita her, but recognized around the country obtained through her catalogs years The Secretary received 147 ballots in the P.S, The Doretta Klaber Chapter is and perhaps around the world. ago. mail prior to the meeting. She announced the thriving under the leadership of Dot Plyler. It Ruth was many things: teacher, I first met Ruth when my children re-election of John Kerridge, President; Ann is hard to realize that it is the sole surviving hybridizer, propagator, farmer, nursery- were very small. We would make the Lunn, Vice President; Dorothy Springer, chapter in the east. Primroses are so beauti- man, rock hound, officer, judge, and jaunt across the bridge to Spring Hill Recording Secretary; Addaline Robinson, ful, how can they lack growers here in the friend to many. She served as president — the kids to see the farm animals — Treasurer; and Karen Schellinger and Fred east? All the best, Anita." Knapp, Board Members (terms expire 1998). of the Tacoma Primrose Society, was the mom to talk primulas. Unable to John also thanked Herb Dickson for his Herb Dickson presented the Dorothy years of contribution to the Society and told pronounce her name, the children an APS judge, and was the educational Dickson Award to Anita Kistler, who was him "Good-bye" again by presenting him with chairman for numerous Tacoma called her "Root". One of my fondest unable to attend. Dr. Kerridge read a letter a handmade native Indian Cowichan knit hat. Society shows over the years. She memories is of Ruth giving rides to the from Anita thanking the Society for the Guests of Honor, Flip and Louise Fenili, probably recruited more members for children on her little tractor. award: were introduced. the APS than any other person. After Carl's death, Ruth married "Dear Dr. John Kerridge, John Kerridge showed slides taken Ruth created several named Juliana Mr. Huston and together they shared an Thank you so much for the wonderful during his 1994 trip to Alaska, following hybrids: 'So', 'Little Rosa', and the interest in rock collecting and the letter 1 received recently. I am very flattered which the meeting was adjourned. well known 'Bea'. She was an avid making of jewelry. In her later years, but feel I really do not deserve it. Respectfully submitted, Over the years, I have read so many propagator; she could and did root the she became almost a hermit, not Dorothy Springer flattering words about Dorothy Dickson that I Recording Secretary d smallest of cuttings. Ruth was a most wanting the world to see the ravages of generous person, freely sharing her time and illness. knowledge and her plants, and contrib- Those of us who knew Ruth B. uted many articles to the Quarterly on Huston well will not forget her. She News from the Chapters was part and parcel of those of us who propagation, soils, and conservation. A summary of chapter meetings Along with her first husband, Carl, grow and love primulas. by Dorothy Springer ALASKA PENNSYLVANIA Juneau Area Doretta Klaber A very successful plant sale was held Meets four times a year. Contact Dot May 13, with the first hour reserved for APS Plyler, chapter chairman, for details. Pesky Critters members only before the general public was Spring was certainly a busy time for this continued from page 30 admitted. Cheri Fluck and Roger Eichman chapter. In May, two local gardens were open demonstrated how to divide primulas. for tours. The chapter was also working to Remember, every slug eliminated may destroyed. Or if your climate is cold Kodiak Area organize more distant tours to a commercial mean 400 less slugs next year! Follow enough, rototill the garden in the fall to Marie Skonberg hosted the Kodiak primrose nursery. June's meeting was a Garden Club on a tour of her garden. Her this by cultivating around plants in late expose the eggs to the elements. The key picnic and plant sale. garden was also photographed for an article in The chapter staged their Primrose show to success is to keep after the beasties fall to turn up slug eggs that can be Alaska Magazine. and plant sale on May 11 at the Morris consistently and frequently. Good hunting! Or American Primrose Society - Summer 1995 36 American Primrose Society - Summer 1995 37

News from the Chapters continued meeting, the first to members' gardens on Bainbridge Island and the second to the Arboretum, a smaller but more compatible Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden. Board of Director's Meeting location than the mall used last year. Speak- The chapter recently voted to join the RSBG, Held April 8, 1995 at Pavillion Mall, Tukwila, Washington ing of flower shows, several chapter members and studied areas where primulas could best took home ribbons from the Philadelphia be used. This is a summary of the board meeting quarterly. Spring Flower Show. Congratulations! Tacoma Chapter minutes. Copies of the Treasurer's report Rosetta Jones reported that a judging And congratulations to Dot Plyler, Meets the first Tuesday of each month, were distributed by Addaline Robinson and seminar had been held during the Tacoma chapter chairman, who was featured in Jane except July and August, in the Fireside Room will be filed for audit. Addaline will now Show. Pepper's column in the March 24th Philadel- of the First United Methodist Church, 1919 phia Inquirer. The piece reflected Dot's keep a separate ledger for the quarterly only. Don Keefe wished to resign as Round West Pioneer, Puyallup, at 7:30 p.m. John Kerridge regretfully announced the Robin Chairman. appreciation of growing primroses in her The chapter's plant sale and show was death of Margaret Mason in Portland, Oregon. Larry Bailey has moved to California, garden, and included a nice plug for the APS. held in the Lakewood Mall April 1-2 (see John expressed his thanks to Maedythe and has the APS archives with him, except for separate story). They also manned a booth at WASHINGTON Martin for her work as Primroses Editor. the Gooseberry Scales, which have not been the Puyallup Spring Fair. Claire Cockcroft was introduced as the new seen since the 1980's. Washington State Chapter May's meeting featured a program by Cy editor. A motion was made and passed that Meets the second Friday of each month, Happy about the Vemales section of Primula. A Membership chairperson has not yet Primroses use Kris Fenderson's book "A except July and August, at the United Good Cy is known for his excellent programs on been found. Board members will continue Synoptic Guide to the Genus Primula" as its Neighbor Center at 305 S 43rd Street, Renton, Primula and also on rock garden plants. their search. official nomenclature guide. (across the street from Valley General The American Sakurosoh Society has The National Show dates and location Hospital) at 7:45 p.m. Guests are welcome. BRITISH COLUMBIA become a new APS member. The Society has will be determined at the annual picnic, to be April's meeting was held at Tukwila's about 50 members at this time. held July 8th at the home of Thelma Pavillion Mall during the set-up of the BC Primrose Group The Tacoma, Seattle, and Washington Genheimer in Beaverton, Oregon. The Board National Show, hosted by the Washington The March meeting was held at State Chapters have joined the Rhododendron Meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m. that same State Chapter. The cooperation and friendli- Southlands Nursery in Vancouver. Bodil Species Botanical Garden, which will contain day. ness of all members old and new was fantastic Leamy showed a pan of P. marginata offsets display gardens for the APS. A visit or two to Respectfully Submitted, and made the show a super success. and cuttings of the variety 'Linda Pope' in full the RSBG is needed to determine what will be Dorothy Springer The theme of May's meeting was flower. She explained how easy it was to pull required in Primula plants. Recording Secretary "Ct "Flower Sex Education"; Rosetta Jones off the offsets and also to take cuttings, which Since only two new members were provided hands-on instruction on how to she dipped into some rooting hormone, then recruited from this year's Northwest Flower pollinate primroses. shook off the surplus. The result was a pan of even size/small plants that eliminated, at the and Garden Show, the Board decided that the Eastside Chapter costs incurred outweighed the benefits derived Meets the first Monday of every month at same time, the long "carrots" to which P. News from the Chapters marginata is prone. and voted to discontinue participation. John continued from page 36 First Interstate Savings Bank, 6615 132nd thanked Thea Oakley for her years of work at Avenue NE, Kirkland, at the Bridal Trails John Kerridge followed with a talk and slide show on how to pollinate primula plants. the show. bursts on its own. Seed sown fresh will Mall at 7:30 p.m. Marie Skonberg sent word that the Seed April's meeting included a discussion of The slides showed the difference between germinate quite quickly. Exchange filled over 250 orders that averaged the chapter joining the Rhododendron Species "pins" and "thrums". John explained that the John next demonstrated how to prepare a 50 varieties each. Botanical Garden. No action was taken as the greatest seed set would be obtained by plant for the show bench. He used a pot of a crossing a thrum with a pin; a lesser seed set Thea Oakley reported that the Library 'Wanda' hybrid in full flower, showing that it chapter is already a member of the Bellevue has a new supply of books. Botanical Garden. could be obtained using pin-to-pin or thrum- had more than one crown by the leaves John O'Brien sent word that there are Thea Oakley presented a program on lo-thrurn. He demonstrated the simple growing in between the flowers. By careful method of pulling a flower gently apart and four slide programs currently out with about snipping with a small pair of scissors, he was "Using Primulas in the Landscape" for May's 80 slides each. He would like Sakurosoh and meeting, which also included a show and tell wiping the pollen bearing anthers across the able to remove these leaves along with any head of the style (pin). If the pollination is border auricula slides. John is concerned that faded flowers and a few dead leaves. Since session and a plant exchange. slides can be lost and would like copies made Seattle Chapter successful, the pin will wither in a few days the plant was in a rather dirty black plastic of each. It was suggested that Chapters take Meets four times a year. Contact June and the seed pod will begin to swell. The pot, the final touch was to repot it into a nice, on the replacement of slides as a Chapter Skidmore, chapter president, for details. seed will be ripe when the seed pod turns new clay pot. The transformation was brown and should be harvested before the pod project. complete! ft Two field trips took the place of a spring Cheryl Fluck, Quarterly Librarian, has continued on page 37 computerized and classified old copies of the 38 American Primrose Society - Summer 1995

AMERICAN PRIMROSE SOCIETY

Officers of the Chapters OFFICERS President - Dr. John Kerridge, 4660 10th Ave. W, #1102, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6R 2J6 97222 Doretta Klaber Chapter Vice-President - Ann Lunn, 6620 NW 271st Ave., Hillsboro, OR 97124 Washington State Chapter President, Dot Plyler Past President - Cyrus Happy III, 11617 Gravelly Lake Dr. SW, Tacoma, WA 98499 President, Rosetta Jones 18 Bridal Path, Chadd's Ford, PA 19317 Recording Secretary - Dorothy Springer, 7213 South 15th, Tacoma, WA 98465 E. 170 Dunoon PL, Shelton, WA 98584 Eastside Chapter Corresponding Secretary - Thea S. Foster, 779 E 21st St., North Vancouver, BC, Canada V7J IN7 Seattle Chapter President, Marilyn Dapses Treasurer - Addaline W. Robinson, 9705 SW Spring Crest Dr., Portland, OR 97225 12607 84th Ave. N.E., Kirkland, WA 98034 President, June Skidmore Oregon Chapter 6730 W Mercer Way, Mercer Island, WA 98040 President, Ann Lunn Alaska Group DIRECTORS 6620 N.W. 271st. Ave., Hillsboro, OR 97124 Contact John A. O'Brien, Sr. 1998 Karen Schellinger, 31335 Kalla Lake Rd., Avon, MN 97068 Tacoma Chapter 9450 Herbert Place, Juneau, AK 99801 Fred Knapp, 58 Kaintuck Lane, Locust Valley, NY 11560 President, Candy Strickland British Columbia Primrose Group 1997 Glen Spurrell, 72 St. Anne's Road, Toronto, Ont., Canada M6J 2C3 8518 28th Ave. E., Tacoma WA 98445 Contact John Kerridge Misty Haffner, 8118 Hamstead Ln., Juneau, AK 99801-9116 Valley-Hi Chapter 4660 10th Ave. W. #1102, 1996 Larry A. Bailey, 1507 9th Ave. N., Edmonds, WA 98020 President, Orval Agee Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6R 2J6 Flip Fenili, 7102 Citrine Lane SW, Tacoma, WA 98498 11112 S.E. Wood Ave., Milwaukie, OR EDITOR MEMBERSHIP Claire Cockcroft Dues for individual or household membership EDITORIAL DEADLINE FOR FALL ISSUE OF PRIMROSES IS AUGUST 1 4805 228th Ave. N.E., Redmond, WA 98053 in the American Primrose Society, domestic and foreign, are $15 U.S. per calendar year ROUND ROBIN ($ 16 for renewals postmarked after January 1); $40 for three years; or $200 for an Edward Davis individual life membership. Submit payment CHEHALIS 226 S High Street, Hillsboro, OH 45133 to the treasurer. Membership renewals are RARE PLANT NURSERY KILL BUGS due November 15 and are delinquent at the Rt. 3, Box 363, Lebanon, MO 65536 SEED EXCHANGE first of the year. Herb Dickson, Proprietor Marie Skonberg, ON CONTACT P.O. Box 70, Ouzinkie, AK 99644 Membership includes a subscription to the After 30 years of selecting and breeding, quarterly Primroses, seed exchange I have developed an improved strain of Garden privileges, slide library privileges and the Auricula with a complete pallet of color. "Schultz-lnstanf SHOW JUDGES opportunity to join a Round Robin. Insect Spray Rosetta Jones, Garden Auricula - 75 seeds per packet is effective against E 170 Dunoon Place, Shelton , WA 98584 Mixed - Brown - Yellow - Red - Blue aphids, whiteflies, PUBLICATIONS Picotee - White - Petite Hybrids LIBRARIAN Manuscripts for publication in the quarterly Exhibition Alpine - 75 seeds mealybugs, spider Thea Oakley, are invited from members and other gardening Hand pollinated Double Auricula -15 seeds mites, and other Schuitz-lnstanf 3304 288th Ave. NE, Redmond, WA 98053 experts, although there is no payment. Please Hand pollinated Show Auricula - 20 seeds indoor & outdoor include black and white photographs if Yellow Self pests. Use it on possible. Send articles directly to the editor. Primula Florindae -150 seeds or more SLIDE LIBRARIAN edibles up to day Mixed Candelabra - 200 seeds or more John A. O'Brien, Sr., of harvest! Advertising rates per issue: full page, $100; 9450 Herbert Place, Juneau, Alaska 99801 half page,$5(); quarter page, $25; eighth page ALL PACKETS $2.00 EACH Made With 50 cents postage & handling in U.S. and Canada BOTANICAL PYRETHRINS and minimum, $12.50. Artwork for ads is the Other foreign orders $1.00 postage & handling FROM CHRYSANTHEMUM FLOWERS responsibility of the advertiser, and camera I ORDERS-3 packets ready copy is appreciated. Submit advertising Ask For "Schultz-lnstant"Products to the editor. At Local Floral & Garden Shops SEED OF DOUBLE ACAULIS AND DOUBLE AURICULA

NEW SEED CROP IN AUGUST MINIMUM ORDER 40 SEEDS - $5.00

ROSETTA JONES E. 170DUNOONPL SHELTON, WA 98584 PHONE: 206-426-7913

Tips From Rosetta An expert in raising primula from seed — mostly seed from her own hybridizing program — Rosetta Jones, as promised, is passing on tips for better growing and hybridizing.

SEEDLINGS Sometimes you can't plant out all the seedlings you've got growing in pop bottles or small containers. An easy way to grow them on longer is to give them more room. Prepare a six inch pot with mix and make a depression the size of the smaller container. Carefully transfer the ball of roots into the larger pot and press down firmly. If the root ball is tight enough, you can ease it out a little without breaking it apart.