Primula vulgaris 'Old Violet'

'Old Violet' has pretty violet flowers, with large yellow eyes. The flowers open an almost magenta-purple, and then age to a dusky violet. This came from a seeding in our gardens, and it earned its "home name" on account of the color, not the age. A perfect color for a Victorian garden! It blooms with the early primroses, and is largely Primula vulgaris in parentage. Culture: Grow in light shade and a fertile well-watered soil. In cool climates, full sun is acceptable if the soil is moist. If too hot and dry, the plants will yellow and go dormant over summer, but usually leaf out again in fall. Best suited to northern climates, it could well be difficult for southern and western gardeners to keep them happy. Propagate by division after flowering.