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Alpine RockeryHerbaceous Perennial

Primula auricula L. (Au)
  • RHS AGM

auricula

An evergreen perennial with rosettes of obovate, sometimes mealy, pale green leaves. Fragrant, mealy-centred bright yellow flowers 1.5-2.5cm in width are carried in umbels on stems to 20cm in height

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Primulaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
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
Plant range
Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in full sun or partial shade. Can also be grown in pots in an alpine house

Propagation

Propagate by detaching offsets in autumn or early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
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, slugs, leafhoppers and vineweevils

Diseases

May be susceptible to a virus, primula brown core and grey moulds

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