Primula Colibri Aztec Gold - Oxlip

Primula elatior 'Colibri Aztec Gold' is a variety of primrose raised for its ability to produce a 'layered' yellow-orange flowering that creates a striking effect. It is also distinguished by a very long flowering period, from winter to spring, and a more perennial character than standard primroses. Very hardy, floriferous and unusual, this plant will create a sensation near a passage or on a window sill, to be able to contemplate it at leisure. It will enliven any semi-shaded setting when planted in a humus-rich, fertile and moist soil.

Primula elatior, also known as Oxlip, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to our native flora and is usually found in the partial shade of clear undergrowth or at the edge of a forest. When abundant, this species is an indicator of ancient forests, relatively undisturbed by human activity.

By hybridising with the Common Primrose (Primula vulgaris), this plant has given rise to many short-lived perennial hybrids, often cultivated as biennial plants. This 'Colibri Aztec Gold' primrose flowers from early January for 11 weeks, until the end of March or early April. On each plant, a multitude of floral stalks of varying lengths, from 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in) in height, each bear umbels filled with single flowers, in cup-shaped clusters of rounded petals, yellow-gold in colour with orange markings in the centre. Their absolutely radiant colour is well highlighted by evergreen foliage in rosettes of large, heavily embossed leaves of a fresh green, ornamental even outside of the flowering period.

Elatior primroses are less well known than stemless primroses, but they have their own advantages: they are taller, hardier and more perennial, and their flowering is also more spectacular. They are excellent companions for shade-loving and cool semi-shade perennials such as heucheras, Brunnera, forget-me-nots, horned violets, or hostas. They allow for decoration of a terrace, window, or balcony when planted in planters that will brighten up spring scenes. They also hold up very well in a simple bouquet, mixed with forget-me-nots or early tulips.