Would 'Velvet moon' be the primula you're looking for? The cowhichan primulas originated on Vancouver Island and they have the foliage you've described. I have 'Velvet Moon' which was bred and selected by Dr. John Kerridge it's a large deep velvety red with a tiny yellow center, the foliage has a maroon edge on it. I don't know who sells cowichan primula seed in the states, Thompson and Morgan used to and I know you can buy seed in England. If you can't find 'Velvet Moon' I'm sure you can come pretty close with seed in the red shades. Annette Here is a link that might be useful: Velvet Moon

cinerarias are annuals and gloxinias are tubers so they go dormant. Primular obconica and malacoides are often used as temporary potted plants, not sure how they'll stand up over time. Have you ever looked into Streptocarpus? They are about the same care as African violets and can be grown for years and bloom often just like violets. Espiscia are also violet relatives that bloom indoors and can be kept for years. You might check out the Gesnariad forum! I think there is one here on Garden Web Here is a link that might be useful: Streptocarpus page

Hi Norabelle- I tried 2 types of primulas last year-- one was a primula japonica that I received from another gardenwebber and one was primula vulgaris from T&M. For the p. vulgaris, I followed the directions on the back of the seed packet; the p. japonica, I WSed (but not until the end of March... because that is when I received them). The p. vulgaris did not germinate, but the p. japonica (that I winter sowed) germinated very well. I had way more plants than I expected and by the end of summer, some of them were 6-8" tall...I didn't get them planted out right away, so some of them stayed smallish. I am going to try to start the p. vulgaris again this year, but this time I will winter sow them.

hey! thanks for all the answers ... certainly seems the winner is pear ... i like it; but it comes across sorta greyish to me ... hmmmm the very first answer was from parma (tecquila lime) & that is the choice i have been leaning toward over these many months! ... too gaudy?? ... i have never used a bright color for paint; so i can't envision what it would look like ... squirrel ... you said if i liked lime or moss that i should "knock the edge off" .... does that mean ask them to dilute the paint? .... the other colors you suggested aren't in my fan deck (color preview) ... i will definitely go to the paint store & check them out ... you are so good with colors ... thanks so much everyone; i am so pleased you all took the time to look at my samples ... it is a small room; but i really want to give it a *wow* factor ... phyl