SPECIES: Primula (Prim'you-la), member of Primulaceae or primrose family. Derived from Latin word meaning ``first,'' which relates to their early flowering.

FORM: Stem short or absent. Low-growing plants with crowded leaves that can be long and narrow, roundish or tufted. More than 400 species of herbaceous perennials usually found in cool areas.

SIZE: 6 inches tall and more, depending on variety.

EXPOSURE: Partial shade.

VARIETIES: Japanese primroses or P. japonica easiest and showiest to grow. Forms great clumps of leaves; flowers usually purple, pink or white with colored eyes. Good plant for bog garden.

English primrose, or P. vulgaris, and cowslip primrose, or P. veris, offer flowers in soft yellow. P. polyantha hybrids come in bright colors with no two flowers exactly alike.

FLOWERING TIME: Early spring in many bright colors.

CULTURE: Needs acidic and moist but well-drained soil with lots of organic matter such as leaf mold, peat moss, cow manure and sphagnum moss. Dislikes strong winds or heat reflected from a wall or terrace. Feed with a time-release fertilizer such as Osmocote.

USES: Shady borders, nestled among ferns or near stream or pond. Also good for containers.

WINTER PROTECTION: Mulch with pine straw or shredded bark and hopefully they'll bloom following spring.

PROPAGATION: Divide after flowering or early fall. Divide to help air circulation which helps reduce plant disease. Seeds germinate best when temperatures 65-70 degrees F. but can be sown anytime.

PROBLEMS: Hot, dry weather, which is why local garden centers often sell them as annuals instead of perennials. Water freely in summer. Also, slugs and snails and leaf spot diseases.