Primula auricula ambig. (Au)
auricula
P. auricula is an evergreen perennial to 15cm tall, with light green, bluntly toothed leaves and several salver-shaped, bright flowers in an umbel in spring
Other common names
baziersbear's ears
see moreboar's ears
common auricula
French cowslip
mountain cowslip
tanner's apron
dusty miller
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Primulaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Primula are herbaceous or semi-evergreen perennials, forming a basal rosette of simple leaves, with salver-shaped or bell-shaped flowers which may be solitary or carried in an umbel or in whorls on an erect stem
- Name status
Correct
- Horticultural Group
- Auricula section primulas are evergreen perennials with leathery, often farinose foliage and simple umbels of salver-shaped flowers which are usually pink, purple or yellow
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in full sun or part shade in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil. Under glass or in a frame use a mix of equal parts loam-based potting compost (JI No.2), leaf mould and grit. Avoid wetting the foliage of mealy species and hybrids
Propagation
Propagate by seed in containers in an open frame as soon as ripe or in late winter or early spring. Propagate by division between autumn and early spring or take root cuttings when dormant in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required but deadhead after flowering, and remove dead or damaged leaves as necessary
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, leafhopper, vine weevil and slugs
Diseases
May be affected by a virus, primula brown core and grey mould (botrytis)
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.