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Alpine RockeryConservatory Greenhouse

Primula auricula 'Dusky Maiden' (Au/A)

auricula 'Dusky Maiden'

'Dusky Maiden' is an evergreen, perennial, alpine auricula, up to 20cm tall, with rosettes of light green leaves. Clusters of purple-red flowers with paler edges and yellow centres, are produced on short stems in mid- to late spring

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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
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red 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
H5
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
Alpine Auricular group primulas have sharp contrast between the colour of the centres and the petals. They are classed as light-centred (white or pale in the centres) or gold-centred (yellow or gold in the centres).

How to grow

Cultivation

Alpine auriculas are best grown 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. Alternatively, grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • 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, slugs, leafhoppers and vine weevils

Diseases

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

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