Auricula / RHS Plant Guide

Auriculas

RHS Genus Guide

These cheerful hardy perennials invite your attention. The curious markings on show and alpine auriculas deserve to be looked at close up so it's well worth the little extra effort needed to grow these gems. Border auriculas on the other hand, are more robust, putting up with the worst of winter weather, but they still attract the eye since you see them less often in gardens than their primrose relations.

Botanical name: Primula auricula

Common name: Auricula

RHS / Tim Sandall

Appearance

Short flowering stems rise above thick-textured, sometimes suede-like leaves, bearing jewel-like flowers, often with contrasing centres and petal edges. Some appear to have been dusted with a fine powder known as 鈥榝arina鈥�.

Preferences

All auriculas thrive in well-drained soil in a position shaded from any hot summer sun. In pots, use good quality compost with added grit. In the open ground, plant in neutral to alkaline (limey) well-drained soil in a slightly shaded position.

Dislikes

All but the border types dislike wet on their foliage so overwinter in the shelter of an unheated greenhouse or alpine house. In summer keep auriculas shaded, although, if there is enough moisture at their roots, the border types will tolerate sun.

Did you know?

Auriculas are often grown and displayed in 鈥榯heatres鈥� 鈥� in matching small pots in rows on shelves so they can all be appreciated individually. They are often scented.

RHS Growing Guide