Cape Primrose - A Plant of the Primulaceae Family
Published · Flower Resource
These flowers are also called Streps or Streptocarpus. They are flowering houseplants with velvety, long green leaves and floral sprays. They are originally from South Africa where they are found growing on a forest floor. This flower is actually a showy relative of African violet. For new varieties hundreds of hybrids have been developed. The flower size mostly depends on the variety which may be between 1 to 3 inches. Primrose belongs to Primulaceae family and originates from Europe. These flowers mostly inhabits in temperate areas of Northern Hemisphere. They have well growing conditions in grasslands, hedgerows, woodlands and areas near roads.
Latin name of Primrose is primula which originates from the word primus that means early or first. This means that primrose is one of the first plants that bloom in spring. In United Kingdom 19th April is celebrated as Primrose day. Primrose that is lilac tinted symbolizes confidence and unappreciated merit. Other primrose also symbolizes young love which can also mean I cannot live without you so you can give this to your lover.
Uses of Cape Primrose
- Primrose is used in treatment of various disorders.
- It is often cultivated for decorative purposes in pots or gardens.
- Leaves and flowers of this plant are edible and are often added in salads.
- The young flowers of primrose can also be used in manufacture of wine.
- The dried leaves of primrose are used for preparation of tea.
- Primrose was also used in treatment of gout, rheumatism and paralysis in the past.
- The alcoholic solution called tincture of primrose is used in treatment of cough, restlessness, headache and insomnia.
Interesting Facts
- They have the ability to bloom even in low light.
- They also have dwarf and trailing varieties.
- Interesting varieties of these flowers are Constant Nymph, Falling Stars and John Innes.
- Primrose has tongue like green color leaves which are wrinkles and toothed on edges.
- The primrose produces bisexual flowers of two types namely pin and thrum.
- The fruit of this flower is capsule filled with a small sized black seed.
- The rare species of butterflies such as Duke of Burgundy butterfly’s important source of food is primrose.
Soil Needed
- It can grow well in moist but well drained soil.
- It requires partial sunlight.
How to Plant?
- You can propagate the plant through cuttings.
- You can also divide the plant more than one rosette and pot them separately.
- You can also sow Cape primrose seeds in spring.
- After sowing the flower will take around 6 months to blossom completely.
Maintenance and Care
- The flower won’t bloom if it doesn’t get proper sunlight.
- This plant can really thrive well under fluorescent lights.
- Pinch off spent blooms to encourage more blooms.
- You must also cut the flower stems back after the last bloom has faded.
- Repot every 6 months in spring to have much healthier plant.
- Fertilize every two weeks in spring and summer with high phosphorous liquid fertilizer.