I'd go for part shade with moist, well drained soil. Under a deciduous tree or bush would be ideal as they will be left undisturbed, hopefully to come up next year. If you are looking, look under Primrose as they are a variety of primrose which grows in moist places in the wild. None of mine ever regrew, but it may depend on your climate. good luck

Thanks annabel - seems maybe that we treat them only as an annual here then. I just planted them out today in a spot that gets good light but no sun until the warmer months and then they get morning sun only. Hoping they will continue to flower now without the sun on them at all. Can only try - they certainly do add a lovely lift in a dull spot on the southern side of the house (front).

my mother grew gorgeous primulas in Scotland and she bought hers every year by the box. She had acid soil as it had once been moorland and a bit wet so maybe they prefer an acidic soil. Her paeonies were also magnificent. Here in Perth we have alkaline soils so maybe another reason why mine did not do well. Lots of things have to be treated as annuals and just enjoyed.

I was at the markets yesterday and a lady was selling perrenial polyanthas. I had always thought they were simply annuals. She also had perrenial Foxgloves. Has anyone heard of those? I didn't get time to talk to her but I will try to go back next week.

Sally

Sally, some foxgloves are true perennials. D.x mertonensis is a common example.

hi, carol I have had polyanthus for many years and they nearly always come up again the following year dont need any special treatment they also tend to multiply so could be split up , when they die down just remember they are not really dead just resting for next year,also I just put foxgloves in and leave them year after year of course they die off a bit but after a tidy up seem to grow back so good luck its nice to able to try and help someone especially since I have had so much help in these forums

thanks everyone for your feedback. I'm encouraged to keep a close watch on these then since the colours are so nice to see in a shady corner so hope to be able to hold onto them and gain more in time.