Orange Tibetan Cowslip Seeds, Primula Florindae, Fragrant Orange Perennial for Bogs & Streamsides, Giant Cowslip, PM3710
Sale price
$3.75
Regular price
$7.50
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Tibetan Cowslip (Primula florindae) Orange
Also known as giant cowslip or Himalayan cowslip, Primula florindae is native to the river margins and boggy meadows of southeastern Tibet, where it grows in dense colonies along waterways like the Tsangpo. First collected for Western gardens in 1924 by British botanist Frank Kingdon-Ward, who named it after his wife Florinda, this striking primrose has become a beloved garden perennial worldwide, prized for both its size and its remarkable fragrance. This vibrant orange form offers a warmer, richer alternative to the classic yellow, standing out beautifully in beds, borders, and naturalized plantings.
The largest species in the genus, Primula Florindae sends up sturdy flower stalks to 3-4 feet tall, topped with nodding umbels of 20-40 bell-shaped, glowing orange flowers dusted with a delicate silvery-white farina. Each bloom releases a honeyed, nutmeg-like fragrance that fills the air on warm days and draws in bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It flowers later than most primroses, extending the primrose season well into summer.
This is a true bog-lover, give it consistently moist to wet soil (think streamsides, pond edges, or rain gardens) and it will reward you with years of dramatic, fragrant blooms.
Sowing & Germination:
Primula Florindae seeds need a period of cold to break dormancy before they'll germinate reliably. The most effective method:
Sow seeds on the surface of a moist, well-draining seed-starting mix, don't bury them, as they need light to germinate
Keep at warm room temperature (64-71°F / 18-22°C) for 2-4 weeks
Then move to cold conditions (24-39°F / -4 to +4°C) for 4-6 weeks, a refrigerator works well for this
After the cold period, return to a warm, bright spot (60-70°F) and germination should begin within a few weeks
Alternatively, sow directly outdoors in fall and let nature's winter handle the cold treatment for you, seeds sown in autumn will germinate naturally come spring.
Keep soil consistently moist throughout, these seeds (and eventually the mature plant) never want to dry out.
Quick growing facts:
Sow on soil surface, do not cover (light required for germination)
Cold stratification required: warm 2-4 weeks, then cold 4-6 weeks
Loves consistently moist to boggy soil
Partial shade to full sun (with adequate moisture)
Suitable for zones 2-9, including cool maritime climates like Iceland, where this primula's preference for cool, consistently moist conditions makes it a particularly good match despite the short growing season
Height: 3-4 ft | Spread: 2-3 ft
Perennial
RHS Award of Garden Merit winner
This is for 10 Seeds
We combine shipping on all orders. You pay one flat fee for as many seeds as you would like and orders over $35 ship for free to the US
All our seeds are rigorously tested for viability and reliable germination
Orange Tibetan Cowslip Seeds, Primula Florindae, Fragrant Orange Perennial for Bogs & Streamsides, Giant Cowslip, PM3710
PRIMULA FLORINDAE
Sale price
$3.75
Regular price
$7.50
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Also known as giant cowslip or Himalayan cowslip, Primula florindae is native to the river margins and boggy meadows of southeastern Tibet, where it grows in dense colonies along waterways like the Tsangpo. First collected for Western gardens in 1924 by British botanist Frank Kingdon-Ward, who named it after his wife Florinda, this striking primrose has become a beloved garden perennial worldwide, prized for both its size and its remarkable fragrance. This vibrant orange form offers a warmer, richer alternative to the classic yellow, standing out beautifully in beds, borders, and naturalized plantings.
The largest species in the genus, Primula Florindae sends up sturdy flower stalks to 3-4 feet tall, topped with nodding umbels of 20-40 bell-shaped, glowing orange flowers dusted with a delicate silvery-white farina. Each bloom releases a honeyed, nutmeg-like fragrance that fills the air on warm days and draws in bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It flowers later than most primroses, extending the primrose season well into summer.
This is a true bog-lover, give it consistently moist to wet soil (think streamsides, pond edges, or rain gardens) and it will reward you with years of dramatic, fragrant blooms.
Sowing & Germination:
Primula Florindae seeds need a period of cold to break dormancy before they'll germinate reliably. The most effective method:
Sow seeds on the surface of a moist, well-draining seed-starting mix, don't bury them, as they need light to germinate
Keep at warm room temperature (64-71°F / 18-22°C) for 2-4 weeks
Then move to cold conditions (24-39°F / -4 to +4°C) for 4-6 weeks, a refrigerator works well for this
After the cold period, return to a warm, bright spot (60-70°F) and germination should begin within a few weeks
Alternatively, sow directly outdoors in fall and let nature's winter handle the cold treatment for you, seeds sown in autumn will germinate naturally come spring.
Keep soil consistently moist throughout, these seeds (and eventually the mature plant) never want to dry out.
Quick growing facts:
Sow on soil surface, do not cover (light required for germination)
Cold stratification required: warm 2-4 weeks, then cold 4-6 weeks
Loves consistently moist to boggy soil
Partial shade to full sun (with adequate moisture)
Suitable for zones 2-9, including cool maritime climates like Iceland, where this primula's preference for cool, consistently moist conditions makes it a particularly good match despite the short growing season
Height: 3-4 ft | Spread: 2-3 ft
Perennial
RHS Award of Garden Merit winner
This is for 10 Seeds
We combine shipping on all orders. You pay one flat fee for as many seeds as you would like and orders over $35 ship for free to the US
All our seeds are rigorously tested for viability and reliable germination
Shipping & Returns
Shipping. Most orders ship within 1 to 2 days of order confirmation. Cancellations are accepted any time before shipment. Shipping is a flat $5.29 — orders with a subtotal of $35 or more ship free.
Returns & exchanges. Accepted on most items within 7 days. Buyers are responsible for any customs or import taxes.
Full policy: Shipping & Returns.
