Family Description
The primrose family is a group of annual and perennial dicotyledonous herbs consisting of approximately 28 genera and 1000 species with distribution primarily in the northern hemisphere but found on all continents. Leaves are simple with opposite or whorled arrangement. Flowers are bisexual with regular symmetry, 5-merous and borne in various types of inflorescences. Flowers are in all colors and produced in the spring or summer. The fruit is a one-celled, superior capsule.
-
The most characteristic features of the family are:
- 5-merous radially arranged flowers
Plants in this family are grown in the greenhouse, rock garden and border. They are best grown in shaded sites with organic, moist, but not wet, soil. Propagation is primarily by seed. Seeds germinate readily with temperatures between 60-65°F. Few pests are associated with this family.
Important genera belonging to this family include Androsace, Ardisiandra, Cortusa, Cyclamen, Dodecatheon, Douglasia, Hottonia, Lysimachia, Primula, Samolus, Soldanella, and Trientalis.
Primula farinosa (left), Primula polyantha (center), and Dodacatheon media (right) with reflexed petals typical of plants in this genus and Cyclamen
Representative Species
| * | Cyclamen persicum | Florist Cyclamen |
|
||||
| Lysimachia spp | Loosestrife |
|
|||||
| * | Primula x polyantha | Polyantha Primrose |
|
