As Harlow Carr heads for its first flower show, the time is right to show off an exciting hybrid

AFTER a very busy yet exciting spring getting the garden ready to showcase our first flower show, we’re now in a position to take a step back and concentrate more on what visitors see on a day-to-day basis.

At this time of year there is an abundance of colour and foliage to see but the species of plant that stands out the most at the moment is the primula.

At RHS Garden Harlow Carr we have many different cultivars of primula: one of the most exciting and eye-catching cultivars is the Primula candelabra ‘Harlow Car Hybrid’ (sic) which are cultivated by crossing Primula pulverulenta with Primula bulleyana, Primula beesiana and Primula japonica .

Primula pulverulenta can be located along the streamside at Harlow Carr as it loves moist soil conditions and partial shade. It can be identified by its tiered deep red flowers which hold on to a white mealy stem just above the lush green leaves in a rosette-forming manner, hence the name candelabra. For us to be successful we need to have all four species planted close to each other to create the hybridisation.

Primula bulleyana can also be found on the streamside as it too enjoys moist but partial shade conditions. It has very similar characteristics to Primula pulverulenta whilst it is in leaf but when it flowers, it looks very different: Primula bulleyana’s flowers are crimson to start with but fade to a bright orange in early summer. Another obvious difference is the height: Primula pulverulenta is up to thirty centimetres taller than Primula bulleyana. Whereas P. beesiana and P. japonica are very much the same in growth and stature and enjoy the same growing conditions, their flowers have more of a magenta tone.

When all these primulas are grown together and hybridise, the stunning Primula candelabra Harlow Car Hybrids are produced.They are easy to identify with their pastel colours ranging from pale yellow through to a salmon pink colour. Its foliage and soil conditions are the same as Primula pulverulenta, P. bulleyana, P.beesiana and P.japonica; the only main and obvious difference is the flower colour variation.

All of the above primulas thrive in dappled shade, can take some sun and most importantly, love moist growing conditions containing lots of rich leaf mould which will feed them throughout the year. Primulas are susceptible to vine weevil and slugs so annual treatment is recommended.

Although primulas are one of my favourite plants at this time of year, there are many striking architectural foliage plants that can be seen on the streamside; one in particular is the ostrich fern or shuttlecock fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris). It can be identified by its completely vertical crown with fronds growing between 100- 70cm tall and can be as broad as 35cm. The fronds are long and tapering to the base but short tapering to the tip so that they resemble ostrich plumes, hence one of its common names. The Matteuccia struthiopteris creates a perfect backdrop for the primula candelabras, but don’t take my word for it – pop along to Harlow Carr and see for yourself.

Jobs for the week

Keep new plants well watered

Before the temperature rises repair any bald patches of turf with turf or seed

Plant out summer bedding plants

DIARY DATES

June 26: The Peony Show

For the first time, the Peony Society will be hosting a show at RHS Garden Harlow Carr. With displays of this beautiful bloom along with advice on peony cultivation and a specialist talk, there will be plenty for the avid gardener to see. Normal garden admission.

July 1, July 8, July 15: Late Summer Evening Opening

Visitors can enjoy live music as they wander around the beautiful gardens at the height of summer on three Fridays in July. Bring along a picnic and a blanket, find the best spot and settle in for the evening. Normal garden admission.