One of the first plants to flower in the spring, the primrose (primula vulgaris) proved how tough it can when it survived last year’s snow and low temperatures (- 4C) as Britain endured the weather period nicknamed the “beast from the east.”

This year Stewarts Garden Centres at Christchurch and Broomhill are celebrating the remarkable plant with a Primrose Festival between18-24 February, where there will be displays of many of the key varieties.

Primroses can be often seen in the countryside and, as in many countries, (as far north as Norway), are a protected species and should not be picked in the wild. Their flower heads are appreciated by many insects including bumblebees and can be a welcome addition for a wildlife garden.

Katherine Hunt, plant buyer at Stewarts, says that these hardy perennial plants deserve to have the focus of a festival.

“They are such great survivors that provide such brilliant colours throughout the winter and spring no matter what the weather does, and they look great borders, containers or hanging baskets. This year we will have our largest displays showing the splendid variety of colours.”