My Primrose Wilted

Season

• Primroses are perennials, and live for many years with the right care and placement. They maintain spring, summer and fall blooming, though, and go dormant in cold weather. The flowers wilt, fade and drop off at the first frost of the year.

Light

• Wilting in spring and summer results from incorrect placement or care. Primroses are woodland natives and require growing sites that emulate forest floors. They burn in hot, bright or dry situations. Move the primrose to partial, filtered or light all-day shade for cooler growing.

Soil

• Primroses require deep, nutritious and consistently moist foundations for survival, and wilt in dry or tight soil. Amend planting soil with organic compost, peat moss or leaf mold to provide nutrition and moisture retention. Mix two to three inches of organic compost into the soil after planting to amend the soil in mid-summer.

Maintenance

• All plants wilt when they get thirsty, and moisture-loving primroses have very little tolerance for drought. Water them deeply with two inches of water every week and watch the soil for drying. Lay organic mulch on the soil around the plants for moisture and protection. Give the plants organic fertilizer through summer, per manufacturer directions, for continued blooming and health.

Rot

• Tight soil and poor drainage lead to root and crown rot in primroses, which causes plant wilting and death. Move primroses to sites with quick year-round drainage and good air circulation. Pre-planting soil amendments ensure better in-soil drainage for long-term plant health.