Primula auricula

Auricula
Primulaceae
Annuals, Evergreen, Perennials, Flowers

PRIMULA

Most primroses are native to the Himalayas and cool regions of southeast Asia and Europe.

Plants form a foliage rosette; at bloom time, typically circular, sometimes fragrant flowers with five petals rise above the leaves.

The petals usually overlap and are often indented at the apex, sometimes so deeply that each flower appears to have ten parts. Blossoms may be borne on individual stems, in clusters at stem ends, or in tiered, candelabra-like clusters along the stem.

Most primroses are spring blooming, but some start flowering in mid- to late winter in mild climates, and a few bloom in early summer. Some go dormant in late fall or winter; mark their location before they disappear.

Nearly all are good plants for the woodland garden.

Primula auricula

To 6–8 in. high and 1 ft.wide. Evergreen. Broad, leathery gray-green leaves, sometimes with mealy, powdery coating that spots and runs in rain. In early spring, bears clustered blooms in white, cream, yellow, orange, pink, rose, red, purple, blue, or brownish, with a white or yellow eye. Usually grown in pots for display. Many named varieties are offered; some have green or near-black flowers rimmed in mealy powder or in a contrasting color.