Primula auricula 'Mojave' (Au/S)

RHS Plant Profile
auricula 'Mojave'
Alpine Rockery Conservatory Greenhouse Herbaceous Perennial

A compact, rosette-forming, evergreen perennial with spoon-shaped, toothed pale green foliage coated with a silvery powder, and fragrant, scarlet-red flowers, with a white centre and yellow eye, appearing from early to late spring

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Primulaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
Accepted
Horticultural Group
Show Auricula group primulas have a distinct pure white circle in the centre of each flower. They can be single-coloured, edged with black feathering out to the margins, or fancy (edged with coloured feathering).

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow show auriculas in pots in an alpine house or cold frame, in a mix of equal parts peat-free, loam-based potting compost, leaf mould, peat-substitute and grit. Avoid wetting mealy flowers or leaves. See primula cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by division or by separating and rooting offsets, after flowering

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, slugs, leafhoppers and vine weevils

Diseases

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