Primula bulleyana is a species of flowering plant in the family Primulaceae, native to hillsides in China.

Primula bulleyana
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Primulaceae
Genus: Primula
Species:
P. bulleyana
Binomial name
Primula bulleyana
Synonyms[1]

Aleuritia bulleyana (Forrest) Soják

Description

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Primula bulleyana is one of a group known as candelabra primulas,[2] so called because of the tiered arrangement of their flowers. It is a semi-evergreen perennial.[3] The sturdy, erect flowering stems appear in summer and are 50–60 centimetres (20–24 in) long, rising in groups from a rosette of leaves 12–35 centimetres (4.7–13.8 in) long and 3–10 centimetres (1.2–3.9 in) broad. The whorls of multiple orange-yellow flowers, opening from red buds, are arranged in tiers. It thrives in a bright, moist environment, such as beside a pond.

This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[4][5]

History

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It was first introduced by George Forrest from Yunnan province, China, in 1906, and named after Arthur K Bulley, his first sponsor, who was a cotton broker from Liverpool and a keen amateur gardener. He founded the Bees Ltd. nursery and was responsible for the introduction of many hardy plants and alpines to Britain in the early 20th century.[6]

Subspecies

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The plant formerly known as Primula beesiana (Bee's primrose) is now regarded as a synonym of P. bulleyana subsp. beesiana (Forrest) A.J.Richards.[7] It is similar in size and form to its parent, but has purple blooms. It is likewise a recipient of the RHS award.[8]

References

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  1. ^ "Primula bulleyana Forrest". Catalogue of Life. Species 2000. n.d. Retrieved January 6, 2024.
  2. ^ "Kew - Primula bulleyana". Retrieved 27 January 2019.
  3. ^ RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 1405332964.
  4. ^ "RHS Plant Selector - Primula bulleyana". Retrieved 27 January 2019.
  5. ^ "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 81. Retrieved 27 January 2019.
  6. ^ Julia Brittain (2006). Plant Lover's Companion: Plants, People and Places. David & Charles. p. 42. ISBN 978-1-5587-0791-7.
  7. ^ "Primula beesiana". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture.
  8. ^ "Primula beesiana". RHS. Retrieved 4 June 2021.