For illustrated talks on natural history and history see www.peterlovetttalks.co.uk

For illustrated talks on natural history and history click here for www.peterlovetttalks.co.uk

Friday, 11 April 2025

 Promiscuous Primulas

A wildflower lawn, Cuckfield, West Sussex, UK

Primulas are known for their "promiscuity" because they readily hybridize, creating colourful combinations. When different Primula species or varieties cross-pollinate they produce hybrid offspring with unique characteristics.  Bees can fly great distances and effect such cross-pollination so cowslips Primula veris and primroses Primula vulgaris in a wildflower lawn form new, unwanted colourful combinations.  There was a time that I would dig unwanted hybrids out but now, with advancing years I learn to accept them.



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