Himalayan cowslip

Today's the day ........................... for an all-rounder

If you want an easy-to-grow plant that will look after itself but look quite showy - Primula florindae  is the one for you.

It flowers now, just when the garden needs colour.  It is deliciously scented - rich and heady like a bar of Pears soap - and right up there with the best of the roses.  It will thrive in most conditions although it prefers light shade and a moist to soggy soil.  Once established, it will seed itself profusely but it is easy to take out plants that have got into the wrong place.  And last, but not least, it does well as a cut flower.

In short, it's a plant that combines great poise and charm with stalwart reliability ...........................