Primula is the HTA's Plant of the Month for January, and brings colourful blooms, interest and life to brighten up the cold dark winter months. One of the first flowers of the year, their common name, primrose, derives from prima rosa meaning ‘first flower’. 

Fully hardy, they are a hugely popular autumn bedding and container plant. Cultivated varieties come in a wide range of colours with both single and double flowers. There are more than 500 species in the genus Primula, including auricula, cowslip and oxlip. 

HTA’s David Gilchrist comments “There are a great range of colours available in this hardy group of plants, from bright yellow to pastel reds and blues. They can be used very effectively in bedding schemes alongside tulips and other winter/spring bedding plants and look stunning when planted in big blocks of colour. They can be planted in containers, winter baskets and garden borders. They can grow in most soil types and can be planted in many garden situations including sun and semi shade.” 

New 2012 Plant of the Month point of sale materials can be purchased through HTA partners Hortipak and Floramedia. 

The plants included within Plant of the Month have been nominated and agreed by the HTA Ornamentals Committee and the HTA Retail Management Group to ensure the campaign meets the needs of both growers and retailers. 

The aim of the Plant of the Month campaign is to make it easier for gardeners by selecting a plant on a monthly basis that will be looking great, is widely available from UK nurseries and easy to maintain in the garden.