Marguerite ‘Jamaica Primrose’
The temperature dropped just below freezing in our barely heated greenhouse last night; this is hardly surprising as outside in the garden it was minus 6.8 degrees, and this, after the warmest November on record. But what a cheery welcome I received as I walked, with some fear and trepidation, through the greenhouse door this morning. Understandably all the other plants looked a little pinched but not this amazing marguerite.
‘Jamaica Primrose’ is a vigorous, tender sub shrub and will attain over a metre in a pot outside in the summer and it flowers generously from May onwards. The pale primrose yellow petals contrast well with the darker centres and are set off by the greyish green foliage. It can also be successfully trained as a standard if you like that look.
Unwittingly, I forgot to take cuttings earlier this year so candles will have to be placed in the greenhouse before bedtime this evening. Trust me, this really does work! Many tender plants can take the odd light frost, but we are promised a week of this arctic cold weather, and I’m not risking anything!
NB Louise has published a beautifully produced book of her plant profiles – A Plant for Each Week of the Year. It costs £9.99 and is for sale in our online shop here.
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