The Difference Between Primroses & African Violets

Growth Habit

• African violets and primrose have similar foliage, as both have thick, fuzzy, velvety leaves that grow in a rosette shape from the base of the plant. However, the shape of a primrose plant is more cushion-shaped, or mounded, than an African violet plant. Both develop colorful blooms that grow on stems rising above the leaves, but the stems of the African violet are more slender and delicate.

Blooms

• African violets and primrose are both profuse bloomers. Primrose blooms are available in a range of nearly every color except green, including indigo, violet, blue, orange, yellow, red, pink, white and bi-colors. The blooms appear in spring and summer. African violets are available in a more limited range of colors, including shades of fuschia, red, maroon, pink, blue-violet, purple, white or bi-colors. If lighting conditions are right, African violets often produce blooms year-round.

Growing African Violets

• As the name indicates, African violets are native to the tropical African climate. Today, African violets are developed in greenhouses and grown as indoor plants. The plants thrive in moderately bright light of a northern or eastern exposure and are often grown under fluorescent or grow lights. African violets thrive in temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with standard African violets growing to heights of 8 to 16 inches. Lightly moist, well-drained soil is critical.

Growing Primrose

• Unlike African violets, primrose plants are primarily grown outdoors, where they thrive in partial shade. At maturity, primrose spreads to about 12 inches and measures 6 to 8 inches tall. Although primrose plants are widely available in supermarkets and garden centers every spring, they are also planted as seeds or by dividing mature plants in early spring. Primrose plants are perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture growing zones 3 to 8, but they are grown as annuals in cooler climates.