Primula vulgaris Rambo F1 Appleblossom - English Primrose

The Primula acaulis Rambo F1 'Appleblossom' is a new stemless and vigorous garden primrose with very large 6 cm (2in) flowers. These are of a soft pale pink colour like an apple blossom, distinctly accentuated with a green chartreuse centre surrounded by a raspberry halo whose intensity blends into the light petals, sometimes tinted with raspberry veins as well. These generous, flat and open flowers are very early: they bloom in the heart of winter, in January and February, on a cushion of dark green leaves. Plant this primrose at the edge of a flower bed or pathway, or in a balcony planter, in partial shade and in a soil that retains moisture.

The Primula acaulis, also known as Primula vulgaris, is a perennial herbaceous plant of the primrose family, a wild species found in our meadows and undergrowth. 'Appleblossom' is a recent hybrid that stands out for its vigour and large flowers. It is a floriferous plant that forms a pretty clump of luxuriant foliage in a few months, about 15 cm (6in) tall and 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12in) wide. It develops more or less evergreen rosettes of spatulate, wavy and veined leaves, ranging from medium green to dark green.

The Rambo F1 'Appleblossom' stemless primrose is tough, not intimidated by climatic vagaries, and easy to grow. Queen of winter balconies and pathway borders, it is placed to be visible from the house because it is the first to bloom, at a time when one doesn't always feel like going outside. This plant opens the way for other primroses to come, then for forget-me-nots, daffodils, Siberian squills, and crocuses. Under the cover of bushes, in partial shade, they brighten up flower beds, rockeries, and short grass meadows, among snowdrops and violets.

Benefits: They are the same as those of the common primrose and the tall primrose: the flowers are soothing and calming, and are used in expectorant preparations. The leaves fight against the formation of bruises, and the whole plant (especially the root) has analgesic, anti-spasmodic, diuretic, and expectorant properties.