Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

Specific Families and Genera => Primula => Topic started by: Rodger Whitlock on April 23, 2009, 12:15:07 AM

Title: Primula 'Harpur Crewe'
Post by: Rodger Whitlock on April 23, 2009, 12:15:07 AM

Here in Victoria, we grow a beautiful primula of uncertain name, with white flowers delicately shaded with pink around the petal margins. For many years it was locally called 'Appleblossom'; more recently, a local primula enthusiast visiting the UK came to the conclusion that it is properly 'Harpur Crewe'. However, I have been unable to find any evidence online that there is such a primula.

The growth habit of the plant resembles P. allionii, but it's not at all sensitive to overhead water. My specimen spent this last winter outside fully exposed to the elements and didn't turn a hair — if anything, it's happier than ever.

A photo is attached.

Can anyone reading offer an informed opinion on the true identity of this beautiful primula?

Title: Re: Primula 'Harpur Crewe'
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 23, 2009, 06:56:03 AM

Looks to me like Primula x Pubescens 'Harlow Car.' Occasionally it sports to make a very pretty double in the same delicate colouring.

Title: Re: Primula 'Harpur Crewe'
Post by: Giles on April 23, 2009, 07:04:15 AM

I found this:
(Couldn't find anything about primulas though)

Title: Re: Primula 'Harpur Crewe'
Post by: Rodger Whitlock on April 23, 2009, 07:26:49 PM

Quote from: Lesley Cox on April 23, 2009, 06:56:03 AM

Looks to me like Primula x Pubescens 'Harlow Car.'

By George, she's got it!

That makes a great deal of sense; it's very easy to see how "Harlow Car" could be garbled into "Harpur Crewe".

Thank you very much, Leslie, for you help. A mystery solved at long last, it would seem.