Description
Primula optata (also called Primrose, among many other common names) is a perennial flowering plant native to the Himalayas. It has a basal rosette of leaves and bears white flowers with yellow centers. It is found in moist meadows, grasslands, and along streams in the Himalayas.
Uses & Benefits
Primula optata is a popular ornamental plant, and is often used in gardens and flower beds. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments, such as coughs, colds, and fever.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Primula optata is a bright yellow, star-shaped bloom with a yellow-green center. The seed is a small, round, black seed. The seedlings are small, green, and have a single, oval-shaped leaf.
Cultivation and Propagation
Primula optata is a perennial plant that is easy to cultivate and propagate. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and partial shade. Propagation can be done by seed or division of the rootstock. Seeds should be sown in a cold frame in early spring and the seedlings transplanted when large enough to handle. Division of the rootstock can be done in spring or autumn.
Where to Find Primula optata
Primula optata is found in China (Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangxi, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Fujian, Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangsu, Shaanxi, Gansu, Qinghai, Xizang), at altitudes of 2000-4000 m.