Primula capitata Noverna Deep Blue - Primrose

The Primula capitata 'Noverna Deep Blue' is a lovely selection from the Himalayan primrose, a wonderful montane species that can be a bit delicate to acclimate in our gardens. Its upright flower stems, covered in white powder, bear heads of flowers in a deep blue-violet color that somewhat resemble those of scabious. They bloom from spring to summer, above a rosette of velvety leaves in a grayish green color. A perennial and hardy plant, it appreciates humus-rich soils, climates with humid and cool summers, and non-scorching exposures. Sown from January to March in a heated greenhouse, it will flower in its first year.

The Primula capitata is a relatively unknown plant in the Primulaceae family. It is a herbaceous perennial species native to the eastern Himalayas, which is characterized by a very cool, rainy climate in summer and cold, dry weather in winter. In nature, it can be found on wooded slopes, forest edges, and in open woodlands, growing in rocky and humus-rich soils that are well-drained and slightly acidic. These are the growing conditions that suit it and that the gardener will try to provide in order to succeed in its cultivation. 
The cultivar 'Noverna Deep Blue', from which it originates, is mainly distinguished by the color of its flowers, a deep blue-violet. First, velvety rosettes of leaves appear, lying close to the ground and reaching a width of 30 cm (11.8 in), spreading into small colonies if the growing conditions are suitable. The flowering can occur from April to September, even on young plants aged 4 to 6 months. Rosettes of leaves emerge from slightly powdery flower stems, reaching a maximum height of 30 cm (11.8 in). They produce globular inflorescences measuring 4 to 5 cm (2 in) in diameter, composed of multiple small bell-shaped flowers facing slightly downwards. The flowers, measuring 1 to 1.5 cm (0.6 in) in diameter, are more or less powdery, with a blue-violet color around a tiny yellow heart encircled in purple. Pollinated by insects, the flowers produce fine seeds that can germinate in humus-rich and light soil. The foliage is light green with a slightly grayish appearance on the upper side, and it has a powdery texture and a lighter color on the underside. The toothed leaves measure from 5 to 12 cm (4.7 in) in length, and they are velvety and beautifully wrinkled. The vegetation of this primrose, which is more or less deciduous, often disappears in winter and reappears in spring.

The Noverna Deep Blue primrose will delight gardeners who enjoy challenges: if you succeed in growing the mythical blue poppy from the Himalayas, acclimating this small perennial will seem like child's play, as these two plants enjoy the same environments. They are perfect plants for flowering slightly shaded and cool gardens in summer, as long as the soil is not waterlogged in winter! This primrose can be associated with easy perennials such as campanulas, epimediums, thalictrums, and other lungworts, for example. Plant primroses in vigorous groups for a greater impact. This plant can also be used to fill a shaded and cool rockery, with Fortune's saxifrages, for example. It can also be attempted in pot cultivation, which will allow it to be protected from excessive moisture in winter by storing it in an unheated but bright location.