Primula auricula 'Adrian' (Au/A)
auricula 'Adrian'
An evergreen, perennial, alpine auricula, up to 20cm tall, with rosettes of light green leaves. Clusters of purple flowers, paler at the margins, with a pale cream centre, are produced on short stems in mid- to late spring
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Cream Purple | 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
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 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
Deadhead, 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.