Not only do they form a beautiful understorey but they also help convey a more complete impression of the rhododendrons' natural habitat.
Among the most charming are the Asiatic primulas. One species I have used at Dunedin Botanic Garden is Primula sikkimensis.
A small group is growing in the Rhododendron Dell by the narrow link track north of the two large Pinus radiata. Some have only just pushed through the soil surface, while the first pale yellow bell-like flowers have appeared on a couple of the others. The stem on one is over 40cm, but is still well short of the 90cm they can reach at maturity.
If you take a closer look at the stem, you will also notice a fine powdery covering known as ''farina'', common to many other types of primula. The farina extends right up to cover the pendulous flower stalks and adds to the pale impression of the flower.
By contrast, the rosette of leaves at the base are a shiny mid-green and have a relatively coarse texture accentuated by their serrated edges.
Coming from wet mountain meadows from Nepal to west China, Primula sikkimensis is well-suited to the woodland garden in New Zealand, where it thrives in moist humus-rich soils in sun or part shade.
- Doug Thomson is curator of the Rhododendron Dell at Dunedin Botanic Garden.
