Description

Perennial. Native to the midwestern United States from Nebraska south to Texas, but easily adaptable in other states. Fragrant 4 to 6 inch yellow blossoms flower throughout the summer. Drought tolerant.

Planting Tips

Broadcast seeds over bed. For even distribution, mix seed with cup of sand before sowing. Cover lightly. Firm by light tamping. Keep beds moist for a week or so to sprout seeds. When plants are 2 inches high, thin. Excellent for hillsides, ground cover, prairies. Not fussy about soil, but difficult to transplant. Prefers dry conditions. Can become aggressive.

Suggestions

This little plant is what I like to call a beautiful invader. Missouri primrose is indeed a beauty, but if it goes unchecked in a garden it can literally run rampant. It's not such a bad problem to have if you are looking for a rapidly spreading ground cover or if you are like me, and would rather grow a plant that is a little bit on the aggressive side that needs thinning from time to time instead of something fussy that requires a lot of care. I also like the way the blooms come up haphazardly through other perennials giving my garden a natural and carefree look. Once established, the bright yellow single petalled flowers are produced in abundance. The blossoms are large, 4 to 5 inches wide and translucent. When the sun hits them just right they look like little cups of sparkling gold scattered about the garden.