FRESH PICK WHAT TO PICK THIS WEEK PRIMROSE (PRIMULA).

Byline: Barbara De Witt Staff Writer

A stroll down a primrose path is a Technicolor experience. These cheerful little perennials now available in local nurseries are some of the brightest blooms of the garden. And the color combos - such as brilliant yellow and red - can't help but grab attention.

Although primroses are primarily bedding flowers in Southern California, they come in all shapes, sizes and colors in their native China. Numerous varieties suited to warm and cold climates also can be found throughout Europe and the tropics.

VARIETIES: There are more than 400 types of primroses, some noted for masses of small flowers, others for taller stems and trumpet-shaped blooms, but the varieties most often found at local nurseries this month are the early flowering primula acaulis - or English primrose - noted for its charming (somewhat like a pansy) flat, five-petaled flowers in brilliant colors with large crinkled leaves sold in small six-packs or quart-size containers. Along the coast, you'll find both primula acaulis primrose and primula polyanthus, with flower names such as Santa Barbara, Pacific and Clarke's primrose. Although the ``evening primrose'' sounds like it belongs in this family, it's actually a member of oenothera biennis, reports the Oregon-based American Primrose Society.

GETTING STARTED: Generally, primroses do best in cool, wet climes such as the Pacific Northwest, but in the Los Angeles area, scout out an area of the garden that will have filtered or dappled sunlight or what gardeners call ``bright'' shade. Plant them in groups, a few inches apart, in organically enriched, well-drained soil with mulch on top to keep the roots cool. Always water after planting.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE: Primroses are a bit of a luxury in hot climates, so make sure they get cool shade and frequent watering - and if they survive the summer, be sure to divide the clumps in the fall to increase plant growth. To keep them blooming, you'll want to pinch off the deadheads regularly, as well as old foliage, and give them an application of liquid fertilizer during the growing season. Also take note: Primroses are very attractive to slugs and snails.

LANDSCAPE TIPS: Primroses are a low-growing plant, so they need to be out in front of taller flowers such as daffodils on your garden path. They look their best when bunched along walkways or on gentle, shady slopes around porches, or as accents in a small rock garden where they bloom in a riot of varieties and color combinations. But also consider them for window boxes, patio pots and as an indoor plant.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Consult your nurseryman, garden club or the latest edition of ``Sunset Western Garden Book'' (Sunset; $32.95). You can also contact the American Primrose Society at P.O. Box 210913, Auke Bay, Alaska 99821; phone [phone] or see www.americanprimrosesoc.org/information.htm. There is no California-based chapter.

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Tina Burch/Staff Photographer