I don't think it's the fumes. Is it possible, if they're near the road, that they get driven on/walked on or if dogs are peeing on them. It might also be salt residue from salting of the roads during winter. Salt is terrible for plants.

they are not getting driven or walked on , as there is a nice little 25cm high edging fence, and that is never damaged or knocked over. I have never see dogs urinating on it, and most dogs concentrate on the green in the orchard area where I live. Also, they were planted after the heavy snow and frosts, so I know what is worng, thanks for your help though.

I shall keep a close eye on them.

Alextb even though your primulas were planted after the snow went this does not mean there isn't a residue of salt in the soil. Possibly a silly question but are you making sure they get enough water?

I am yes, and eventhiugh they have been getting watered by myslrf and revent heavy rain, I still had dead flowers and dead leaves to remove today when I planted some fowers outside.

Any chance you could put a photo up? It might just give Sid or myself an idea

O.K. I need to find my camera first. kinda lost it.

Oops...

My primroses are getting worse, it looks like I will have to pull them up, and think about other plants as replacements.

Dig them up and take a look at the roots... check there are no grubs eating them

O.K, thanks.

Are there any replacements you could recommed, baring in mind what wpuld be in garden centres, and are small like primroses.

Not really no - we don't do any form of bedding, I'd suggest just going along to the GC and seeing what they have and asking questions.

O.K. Thanks

Yes as Moon says, if you dig them up check the roots - vine weevil grubs LOVE primulas. They don't usually attack plants growing in open soil (they go for the ones growing in compost), but you might be unlucky!

If it's bedding you want for your bed, primroses probably arn't the best things to choose as the flowering period is relatively short. Try things like geraniums, snapdragons and marigolds instead, or sow some annual seeds, such as Escholtzia californica (Californian poppy) whcih come in all sorts of colours and are easy peezy to grow.

Thanks a lot Sid, great advice.

I have had such great responses from you and Moon grower.

Glad to be able to help Alex

I pulled up the affected primroses, but there was nothing obviously wrong wuith the roots. So I do not know.

Oh well, I have planted some new plants that I got from my local garden centre.

Just keep a watch on the new plants and if the same problem occurs then take a serious look at the soil. If you pulled up the primulas any grubs that had been on them would have remained in the soil.

Good luck with the new plants! :-)

Thanks