Primula auricula aka Auricula

Taxonomy

Primula auricula, also known as auricula, mountain cowslip, or bear's ear, is a species of flowering plant in the family Primulaceae. It is native to the mountain ranges of central Europe, such as the western Alps, Jura Mountains, Vosges, Black Forest, and Tatra Mountains. This evergreen perennial, called 'Clown Prince', grows up to 20cm tall and forms rosettes of mealy, yellow-green leaves. In spring, it produces clusters of deep red flowers with pale yellow stripes and eyes on short stems. While 'Alpine' and 'double' auriculas are most suitable for garden cultivation, they require a moist soil rich in humus and prefer a well-drained, sheltered site with some dappled shade. Alternatively, they can be planted in low patio pots or alpine troughs, which can be moved to a shady spot during the summer months. For an attractive display, individual plants can be grown in small pots and showcased in a hand-made wooden 'auricula theatre'.

Common names

Auricula, Bear's Ear, Garden Auricula

How to care for Auricula

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Auricula is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Auricula should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

If you're planting Auricula, you need to make sure you use a potting soil that can retain moisture. While the soil should still be able to drain well, it should contain plenty of organic matter like coco coir or sphagnum moss to help it stay moist and nourish the roots of your plants. This is especially important since Garden Auricula is especially sensitive to dry soil. You can also add other amendments, such as compost, to help retain moisture and provide extra nutrients to your plants. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, throughout the growing season. With the right soil and proper care, your Auricula will thrive!

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Auricula prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Region of origin

Auricula’s native range is Europe - Alps and Carpathian mountains.


More info:
Wikipedia