Primrose aurica: types, varieties, care and 3 methods of propagation

Primrose aurica, the varieties of which provide the gardener with a wide choice of variations for decorating his plot or flower bed, is considered one of the most beautiful varieties of this plant. It is also called auricula or “bear ears”. This plant gained recognition back in the 18th century, when it began to be intensively grown in Europe. In the UK, this primrose variety has long been one of the most frequently planted and revered.

Ear primrose is grown from seeds. The whole process is simple. The indescribable beauty of this flower allows you to decorate almost any landscape.

Peculiarities

Primrose aurica (photo of the flower is presented below) is a separate section, which includes more than 20 hybrids and plant species.

Their characteristics are similar in basic features. Auricula is a low plant. Its woody roots look like ropes that protrude above the surface of the soil. The leaves of the plant are evergreen. They are round and reach a length of 10 cm. The leaves of the primrose are leathery and juicy, covered with a light coating.

Wild auricula still grows today on the mountain slopes of the Himalayas, Tibet, alpine meadows, etc. Its original color is characterized by yellow shades. However, as a result of selection, ear primroses of pink, red, purple, white and other colors also appeared. In some cases, a bud can combine two shades at once.

Flowers of this species can be double, single or semi-double. The buds are from 2 to 4 cm in diameter. Their petals are collected in umbrella-type inflorescences. The buds grow on strong peduncles. Their height can reach 25 cm. Flowering usually lasts from April to June.

Types and varieties of primrose aurica

Primroses are often difficult to classify because they are often the result of crossings of several small European alpine species and hybrids, and the flower shapes, shades and sizes vary so much that it is sometimes impossible to determine which flower is in front of you. This fact and early flowering is reflected in the name of the plant from the Latin word Primrose (first rose). The term auricular (or ear-shaped) was given to the primrose for the similarity of the leaves of the rosette with the auricle of a bear (sometimes the flower is called “bear ears”).

The plant belongs to the primrose family. The extensive genus of the crop includes more than 400 species, mostly low-growing herbaceous flowering perennials. About 70 species grow in Russia. The auricular primrose was cultivated back in the 16th century. Botanists divide this vast group into various sections and subsections, and florists divide it into 23 sections.

Auricula

An auricula is a section of cultivated members of the genus that often have colorful patterns on their petals. They were originally bred as a hybrid between two wildflowers: Primula auricula and Primula hirsuta. Wild relatives of cultivated auricular primroses grow in the alpine meadows of the mountains of Central Europe (western Alps, Jura, Vosges, Black Forest and Tatra mountains).

Did you know? Primula auricula is depicted on the obverse of Austrian 0.05 euro coins.

The leaves of this primrose are evergreen, fleshy, 10–20 cm long, covered with a powdery coating to protect them from intense solar radiation in the spring. They form rosettes up to 60 cm wide, located close to the ground. The flowers are five-petaled, round, 2–4 cm in diameter, with varying shades of petals and central circle, and often have a fragrant aroma.

The peduncles are elastic and grow up to 25 cm. Up to 10 peduncles appear on one plant. The inflorescence can contain several flowers (up to 20) or single specimens. The beginning of flowering is mid-spring. Duration is up to three months (under normal weather conditions) and sometimes bloom again in the fall.

Today there are many different varieties of eared (Primula auricula), bred as a result of selection and included in this section. These primroses are incredibly varied in size and come in almost every possible color (burgundy, carmine, coral pink, apricot with different shades of the central circles).

Pegasus

The name of the variety is Pegasus, belongs to the Primula auricula section. The height of the rosette is up to 25 cm, the peduncle is 10–25 cm. The leaf blades are fleshy, leathery, dense, dark green. Large, fragrant, lush flowers are dark pink in color, yellowish at the center. Collected in an umbrella inflorescence of 10–20 pieces.

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A two-year-old Pegasus produces 4–10 flower stalks. Flowering begins in April, lasts up to 7 weeks. Requirements for growing conditions: moist, drained soil without stagnant water, sunny exposure, shading in summer.

Crimson glow

The variety name Crimson Glow, which means “crimson glow,” refers to the Primula auricula section. The height of the rosette is 15–20 cm. The leaves are pale green. The flowers are bright crimson, multi-petaled, double (similar to roses). Collected in umbrella inflorescences of 5–20 pieces. The buds are initially darker .

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The two-year-old “Crimson Glow” produces 4–10 flower stalks. Flowering begins in April - May, duration - up to 7 weeks. Requirements for growing conditions: moist, drained soil without stagnant water, sunny or partial shade exposure, regular watering in summer, winters without shelter.

Xavier

The variety name Xaver belongs to the Primula auricula section. The height of the rosette is about 15–20 cm. The leaves are light green. Flowering begins in April, duration is 3 months. The variety has many varieties in color and size of flowers.

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The shade of the petals varies from pale pink to lavender, from purple to reddish red, for example:

1. Xaver Light is a fragrant terry multi-petalled primrose, soft pink color with a lilac border and specks along the petals. The middle is darker.
2. Xaver Deep is a fragrant, terry, large-petalled primrose, blue-violet or dark lilac in color with a lemon center. Changes color during flowering from lilac to almost purple.

Requirements for growing conditions: moist, drained soil without stagnant water, partial shade exposure, regular watering, winters without shelter.

Forest lemon

The variety name Forest Lemon, which means “forest lemon,” belongs to the Primula auricula section. A beautiful bright yellow summer flowering variety. The height of the rosette is 15 cm, the peduncle is 40–45 cm. The leaves are dense, fleshy, leathery, dark green, 10–20 cm long.

The flowers are fragrant, velvety, densely double, lemon-yellow. Collected in umbrella inflorescences of 5–20 pieces. Flowering begins in April, lasts up to 7 weeks. Requirements for growing conditions: moist, drained soil without stagnant water, diffused light or partial shade, watering.

Reni

The variety name Reni belongs to the section Primula auricula. A wonderful bright summer blooming variety, recently bred. The height of the rosette is 15–20 cm, the peduncle is 20 cm. The leaves are dense, fleshy, leathery, light green.

The flowers are fragrant, velvety, densely double, rich lilac in color, the petals are darker in the center, gradually lighten towards the edges, collected in a multi-petaled rose. Flowering begins in April - May, duration - up to 7 weeks. Requirements for growing conditions: moist, drained soil without stagnant water, diffused light or partial shade, watering.

Tad Roberts

The variety name Ted Roberts belongs to the Primula auricula section. A popular variety with large flowers up to 5 cm in diameter among a lush carpet of green foliage. Flowers on strong stems with one row of velvety petals. Shades are dark cherry, purple or brownish , often two-tone with a light center of white, pale pink or yellow.

The height of the rosette is 15–20 cm. The leaves are dense, fleshy, leathery, light green. Flowering begins in April - May, duration - up to 7 weeks. Requirements for growing conditions: moist, drained soil without stagnant water, diffused light or partial shade, watering.

Variety selection

Primrose aurica, as mentioned above, includes more than two dozen varieties. To choose the best option, you need to consider their types, which are usually divided into 4 main groups.

The first category includes garden or border “bear ears”. Their buds consist of wavy large petals of the same tone. These are hardy plants, adapted to grow in the climatic conditions of the middle latitudes of our country.

Terry auricular primroses are characterized by lush, velvety flowers. This group contains plants of different shades and colors. To provide these varieties with a high level of terry, you will need to use special fertilizers.

Alpine varieties of auricula have a characteristic color. Their center is golden, and the bud has a darker stripe and a light border. Such buds do not have the velvety coating characteristic of the previous group. Growing these varieties in the garden requires some attention from the owners of the house.

Exhibition auricula are distinguished by their extravagance and capriciousness when grown. They can be found exclusively in greenhouses and at exhibitions. These varieties have a white center and contrasting petals. Some plants in this category have streaks or even patterns on their buds. These auricles are not suitable for the Russian climate, so you should not choose such plants for your garden.

Description of the variety

Primula aurica is an inhabitant of alpine slopes, grows denser, oval leaves with a smooth, shiny surface and a grayish coating. In the center of the leaf rosette there is a cylindrical stem up to 20 cm long with a dense spike-shaped inflorescence of 6-7 yellow fragrant flowers. Names such as “bear ears” or auricula are also common for it. Primula aurica is found in the wild, where the human foot has rarely set foot - on the rocks of the mountain ranges of the Alps, Carpathians, Vosges, Tatras, Apennines at an altitude of 500 to 2500 m above sea level.

These perennial plants are found with dark green dense and smooth leaves of an obovate shape, cartilaginous below, and with flowers of iridescent two-color (or as it is also called striped) color. This is a species of primrose auricula, which also has synonymous names: Primula balbisii and Primula ciliata. The plump peduncles bearing an umbrella inflorescence have a powdery coating, as if felt, and the auricula flowers also have a pleasant aroma.

Features of cultivation

Primrose aurica is grown quite easily from seeds. Planting and care (a photo of the plant is presented below) requires compliance with a few simple rules. The plant prefers to grow in closed, semi-shaded areas.

With sufficient watering, the auricula also thrives in open spaces.

However, you should not water the plant too much. It does not tolerate soaking. The site should be provided with good drainage. Mulching with gravel improves the drainage of excess moisture from the roots.

Primrose breeding can be done in two ways. The first involves dividing the bush. However, seed propagation is more interesting. They are planted in February or March. At the same time, the ear primrose is undemanding to the soil (only sandy soil is not suitable for it). Even in a blooming state, the auricula easily tolerates transplantation.

Role in landscape design

The ease of propagation, beautiful flowers, ease of planting and care have made garden perennial primrose one of the most popular low-growing plants in landscape design.

Primrose is best placed at the base of an alpine hill or at the bottom of a rock garden

With correctly selected varietal varieties of plants in the garden, you can create areas that continuously bloom from mid-spring to late summer. It is recommended to place these flowers in flower beds, lawns, and decorate rock gardens or rockeries with them. A plant of several bright colors looks good when planted in clumps or ridges.

Flowerpots with these flowers will effectively decorate the entrance to a house or gazebo.

Large-flowered primroses are often grown in flowerpots

Since primrose is a moisture-loving plant, it feels great near bodies of water and can become a worthy decoration, for example, of the coastal zone of a pond.

Primrose is one of the first plants to bloom in early spring.

Primrose can be an element of a flower arrangement. It should be taken into account that it gets along well with hosta, astilbe, fern, heuchera, marigold, irises, saponaria, bitter weed, hellebore, hyacinths, and ornamental grasses. Excellent neighbors for this plant are daffodils, tulips, peonies, phlox and roses. It looks good in combination with low deciduous and coniferous shrubs.

If you correctly combine primrose varieties, the columbus will bloom for 4 months

Principles of seed propagation

Primrose aurica, the seeds of which are planned to be germinated to grow the plant on the site, is characterized by rapid growth. Therefore, it is better to start the process in February or March. There is no need to rush into germinating seeds. Seedlings develop quickly. Over time, they can require quite a lot of space on the windowsill.

You can also sow seeds in open ground. This is done in the autumn immediately after they ripen. The percentage of seedlings in this case will be the highest. If the gardener purchased the seeds in the spring, stratification can be carried out. This increases the germination percentage. To do this, the seeds are moistened with water and kept at low temperatures for several days. You don't have to do this. As soon as the snow thaws, the seeds are planted in open ground.

However, most often gardeners grow seedlings from seeds. The seedlings can then be worked into the soil directly in the container where they germinated.

Primula Rosanna, growing from seeds

In flower shops you can see a beautiful terry variety of primrose for sale. This species is called Rosanna . In fact, this is not quite a double species (we will talk about that later), but thanks to the wavy edge, the flower is very similar to this variety.

Primrose "Roseanne"

The Rosanna variety is quite unpretentious and adapts well to both transplantation and division. You can plant the seeds as soon as the snow melts or in the fall, then after the cold weather you will already see the first shoots. Primroses grow well in partial shade with moderate moisture , but even in the open sun and increased watering, the flowers will also delight you with bright greenery and beautiful flowering.

If you have already grown primrose, you can collect seeds in the fall and prepare for planting next year, or buy seeds and proceed as follows:

• Store seeds before sowing at temperatures up to +7 C
• Before planting, treat the seeds with a special liquid, which you can purchase at a seed store. If you bought the seeds and did not prepare them yourself, then you do not need to do this , since the manufacturer himself carries out this procedure.

The variety "Roseanne" resembles small roses.
also important to remember that:

• After planting in the container, place the container with the seeds in the refrigerator for a month
• After this, transfer the seeds to a room at room temperature.
• When you see two leaves on Rosanna, you should pick the plant
• If frosts are no longer expected, then the container with seedlings should be buried in the partial shade of the garden, and after a month you can plant them at a distance of about 30 cm from each other

Primrose variety Rosanna blooms very beautifully, covering your lawn flower carpet Use these tips and enjoy lush beauty in your garden all summer long.

Breeding seedlings

Primrose aurica, the seeds of which were not planted in open ground in the fall, can be grown as seedlings in the spring. Sowing is carried out in disposable dishes or special containers. They must have drainage holes.

Plastic food containers are good for planting auricular primrose seeds. From them it will be possible to create a small greenhouse. The containers are filled with ordinary soil, in which the nutrient content may be minimal. Such soil is sold in almost any specialty store. It is better to give preference to trusted manufacturers.

The soil into which the seeds will be sown must be loose. For this purpose, special additives are added to it. It is a combination of vermiculite and perlite. They complement each other and give the maximum positive effect. You can also use sphagnum moss instead of these additives.

Diseases and pests

“Primula aurica” has virtually no health problems, but if not cared for properly, the gardener may encounter a number of diseases:

• rot of the stem and root collar;
• powdery mildew;
• rust;
• bacterial spot.

A lot of damage to the “Ear Primrose” is caused by infection with the fungus Ramularia cercosporella, which appears in the form of gray or brown spots on the leaves. If a problem is detected, it is necessary to cut off the damaged parts of the plant and treat with an antifungal solution.

If ramularia is detected, all damaged leaves must be removed.

Garden pests to watch out for include fleas, slugs, snails, spider mites and aphids.

Severe damage, and even death of the “Auricular Primrose”, can occur due to the invasion of the beetle weevil. Its larvae live in the roots of the plant and weaken them, and the insect itself feeds on the above-ground part of the crop and its leaves.

Advice! During this time, the measures taken to combat diseases and parasites will not allow the “Ear Primrose” to die.

Weevils on primrose flowers are sprayed with insecticides

Vermiculite and perlite

Primrose aurica, which is grown from seeds at home, requires the correct use of soil additives. Most often, gardeners use a combination of perlite and vermiculite. They are added to the finished soil.

Perlite is of volcanic origin. To grow primrose, only a special agricultural type of this substance is used. It increases soil moisture and air exchange and improves soil structure. It does not cake or compact, which creates good drainage. In this case, the root system of the auricular primrose develops evenly throughout the container.

When preparing an earthen mixture for seedlings, vermiculite is often used. It prevents the formation of a hard crust on the soil surface. This additive is also able to protect the primrose root system from temperature changes, which is extremely important in winter. Humidity and oxygen exchange are normalized. The plant develops harmoniously.

Garden primroses: varieties and species with photos in the landscape

Primroses bloom in early spring, hence the name - primrose. However, it cannot be applied to all varieties - there are summer-flowering species. The leaves of the plant are leathery and covered with soft down. This feature became the reason to come up with another name for primrose - rams. Flower exhibitions are held annually in England, where it is easy to find the rarest and most unique varieties.

Primrose (Primula) is a small, beautifully flowering herbaceous plant (biennial and perennial), belongs to the Primrose family, order Ericaceae. Different types and varieties of flowers are scattered almost all over the world. Somewhere there are legends about it, and in some countries primrose leaves are used to prepare spring salads and medicinal tea. But you should be careful, for example, Opconica primrose is dangerous for allergy sufferers.

One of the most common legends tells of a guardian of the heavenly monastery who lost the keys to paradise. Having fallen to the ground, they sprouted flowers of incredible beauty - primroses, which in some places, following the legend, are called keys. In Switzerland, primrose is considered a talisman that brings happiness. The beliefs associated with the flower can be described endlessly, and everywhere primrose has a positive meaning; it was even credited with magical (love) properties.

Planting seeds

Primrose aurica is grown quite simply from seeds at home. Having purchased soil and additives, as well as prepared containers for sowing, you can begin to work. First you need to prepare the soil mixture. The combination of vermiculite and perlite is mixed in equal proportions.

The content of additives in the soil should be about 50%. This indicator depends on the size of the seeds. In ear primrose they are small, so quite a lot of perlite and vermiculite should be added. For large seeds, 20% soil additives are sufficient.

The prepared container is filled with soil mixture. The surface can be additionally sprinkled with additives. The soil should be sprayed with water from a spray bottle. The seeds need to be removed from the package. It is convenient to lay them out on paper.

Using a wet toothpick, place the seeds on the surface of the soil, lightly pressing them into the soil. With this breeding method, stratification is not required.

The seedlings are covered with a transparent film. The temperature in the mini-greenhouse should be from 16 to 20 oC.

What conditions does primrose like?

Queens of spring love teens. In summer, in open space, the flower will disappear. The ideal condition is diffused sunlight through the foliage of trees. To be successful when growing auricula, it is important to monitor the condition of the soil. In their natural environment, they grow in places with high humidity.

Primroses should not feel a lack of water, but excessive dampness will also not be beneficial.

Primula aurica comes from mountainous areas, where in the spring it simply bathes in melt water. In mid-latitudes, dry, sunny April and May days are dangerous for flowers.

They will weaken and wither if they lack moisture during this time of intensive growth. It is in the spring that it is important to ensure that the soil does not dry out.

Auriculas are not suitable for soil that contains a lot of clay. In such flower beds the situation can be corrected by adding:

• Sand (1 bucket per 1 m2).
• Vermiculite.
• Cut sphagnum moss.
• Organic fertilizers (20 kg per 1 m2).
• New top layer of soil prepared from a nutrient mixture (20 cm).

Mineral fertilizers are added 2-3 years after planting. Phosphorus and potassium substances are added in the fall. Organic fertilizers are necessary for depleted soil. They saturate it with nutrients and affect its structure. They use decomposed humus, leaf soil, and weathered peat.

Additives of phosphorus and potassium ensure the splendor of primrose umbrellas.

The root system, as it develops, rises above the ground. The roots that are near the surface are exposed. Every autumn, soil is poured under the primroses to cover them.

The soil is periodically loosened and weeds are removed. In order for the auricles to withstand the winter cold well, it is recommended to keep the rosette until late autumn. The leaves will serve as a natural shelter from the cold. Cultivating auricular primrose will not cause any particular difficulties if you learn everything you need to know about proper care for it.

First shoots

Primrose aurica has certain requirements for growing the first shoots. Planting and care must be carried out in accordance with these requirements. In this case, the plants develop harmoniously.

Direct sunlight should not fall on the transparent film of the greenhouse. In winter, this requirement is easy to fulfill. Sunny days are quite rare during this period. However, caution in this case still does not hurt. Until the first shoots appear, you don’t have to pay much attention to this issue.

When the first green leaves appear on the surface of the soil, shading the greenhouse becomes extremely necessary. During this period, it is important to control soil moisture. The soil should not dry out. But excessive moisture can be detrimental to seedlings. It is best to use a spray bottle. When a couple of full-fledged leaves appear, you can gradually remove the greenhouse lid.

general description

Primrose or primrose (Primula) family Primroses are rhizomatous herbaceous low perennial plants that bloom primarily in spring, although there are some summer-flowering species. Whole wrinkled leaves have a slight edge; they form a basal rosette. Flowering stems do not have leaves. The flowers come in a surprisingly diverse range of colors, sometimes in two or even three colors. They are located singly on peduncles or form various inflorescences. After flowering, a capsule fruit with small dark brown seeds is formed. All species reproduce well by seed, and many by dividing the bush. You can find out more about caring for primroses here.

This flower is distributed all over the world, therefore it has many species, more than four hundred. In almost every country it is shrouded in legends and myths and is considered medicinal and mystical. Primroses are called spring primroses for their early flowering, “rams” for their wavy, pubescent leaves, and also “keys,” since the inflorescence resembles a bunch of small keys.

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Picking seedlings

Primrose aurica requires picking about 2-3 times. It is carried out when several true leaves appear on the seedlings. This procedure allows you to renew air exchange at the roots and deepen the stem. If the crops are highly dense, you can pick the seedlings at the stage of cotyledon-type leaves appearing.

Holes in the soil are made using a pointed toothpick. It is pre-moistened in water. The seedling is carefully taken with tweezers by the cotyledon leaf. Using the same pointed toothpick, it is introduced into the prepared hole. The seedling is buried to the base of the cotyledon leaves.

When the grown seedlings become cramped in their container again, they are picked again. Weak plants are removed. Strong seedlings are brought into prepared soil. The last transplant is carried out in open ground or a permanent container.

Growing at home

Growing primrose does not require labor-intensive efforts, but brings great satisfaction from the sight of early and beautifully flowering plants. When creating your collection, try to find combinations of colors and shades that are so rich in this culture that are pleasing to the eye.

Features of planting seeds

You should start growing primrose by selecting seeds, which you can prepare yourself or purchase in gardening stores.

Important! Primrose seeds quickly lose their viability, so for forcing, choose only freshly harvested planting material. Store it in hermetically sealed glass jars in the refrigerator (not freezer) at +4°C until sowing.

Temperature swing

Seeds should be sown in the fall from September to November, but before that they need to be prepared: subjected to freezing or stratification. This procedure is not necessary, but will not harm the seeds or young seedlings and will speed up germination. In the natural environment, many wild species of auricula grow in the highlands near glaciers, therefore, to obtain early shoots, the seed material should be frozen.

For this purpose, the seeds are placed in a container with water and kept in the freezer until the liquid freezes completely. The container is then taken out and thawed, after which it is placed back in the freezer. The procedure is repeated up to 7 times. This temperature fluctuation does not imitate negative winter temperatures, but serves as a stimulation for the friendly germination of seeds, which then sprout very quickly.

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Sometimes containers with crops are exposed to frost, sprinkled with a 30 cm layer of snow. You can use a combined stratification method: first, the seeds are laid out in one layer on a damp cloth and placed in the refrigerator (but not in the freezer) for 2 weeks. Then they are transferred to a warm room until shoots emerge. In this case, you need to ensure that the fabric always remains damp.

Preparing the soil mixture

An indispensable condition for growing primrose is well-drained soil rich in humus and organic matter with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction. You can purchase a ready-made soil mixture in a store or prepare it yourself by mixing equal amounts of peat or compost, leaf or turf soil, coarse river sand or vermiculite.

Another option for planting soil for primroses:

• 4 parts of good fertile garden soil;
• 4 parts sifted coir (coconut fiber);
• 2 parts perlite.

This mixture retains moisture well, perlite adds breathability, and the presence of garden soil will speed up the process of acclimatization of seedlings in the garden. Avoid heavily fertilized mixtures.

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If additional feeding is necessary because transplanting is delayed, you can easily meet the needs of young plants by using a diluted solution of liquid fertilizer (Flower Paradise, Micom) during the growing season.

Planting seeds

If you are planting several varieties of primrose, then prepare labels for each type, where you write down the name, date of sowing and other notes. If the seeds are purchased in a store, then, as a rule, planting instructions are indicated on the package.

Sowing algorithm:

1. Seeds can be sown any time from January to the end of March.
2. There must be holes at the bottom of the container or pot for water drainage.
3. Place a drainage layer at the bottom of the container and fill with moist soil mixture to 2cm below the rim.
4. Press down the soil so that the seeds do not sink deep, and plant them evenly over the surface, trying to avoid thickening. This can be done using a dampened toothpick. Dense plantings get wet more easily, and the seedlings are subsequently difficult to separate.
5. Sprinkle with a thin layer of vermiculite, coarse sand or coconut fiber and place a cotton cloth on top.
6. Moisten the sowing area well and do not allow the seeds to dry out by regularly spraying the fabric.
7. Move the containers to a completely open, bright place, but on the north side of buildings or under bushes for protection from wind and winter sun. Cover containers with plastic with holes for ventilation to prevent them from drying out too quickly and to prevent rain from washing out the crops. This placement promotes hardening of seeds and young plants.
8. After the sprouts appear, remove the plastic and cloth and move the containers to a well-ventilated and lit place.
9. Primrose seeds take about three weeks to germinate, depending on when they were sown. But the period can be longer - up to three months.
10. Water the seedlings by submerging the container and then thoroughly draining the water through the drainage holes.
11. As soon as the seedlings have real, not cotyledon, leaves, pick them.

Picking

Even with careful placement of seeds during sowing, observing unthickened planting, primrose seedlings should be pruned to allow young shoots to develop properly. Picking is done 2-3 times after two to four leaves appear on the sprouts. Before the procedure, the soil is well moistened. With dense seedlings, seedlings are planted more often (even with cotyledon leaves) . Make a hole in the soil (with your finger or pencil), carefully pick up the sprout with tweezers and transfer it to a new place, slightly deepening it. Picking allows you to renew the air exchange of the roots and give space for growth.

Did you know? In the language of flowers, primrose symbolizes early youth, innocence, the feeling of being lost and the doubts of lovers.

Weak and thin sprouts are removed. At the last picking, strengthened and strong seedlings are transplanted into the garden or containers when grown in pots. But experienced gardeners advise leaving the plants in seedling containers for a year so that they get stronger and develop well, and they recommend replanting them in the garden the next season. When planting in flowerbeds, a distance between sprouts of 15–30 cm should be maintained, depending on the size of the varieties. Three-year-old plants have the most decorative appearance.

Before planting seedlings in the garden, you will first need to carry out a “hardening off” procedure. This will prepare the seedlings for the climatic conditions of the growing region. During the last week, keep the temperature cool to +10°C, refrain from fertilizing and water less frequently. Transplant seedlings on cloudy days or early in the morning when the sun is not too hot. Try to provide light shade, protection from wind, and keep the soil moist during this period. Dry air and spring winds can lead to rapid transpiration.

Plant care

Primrose aurica, which is grown in open ground conditions, requires timely watering, as well as periodic application of mineral fertilizers. Complex fertilizing is used up to 4 times per season. You should also periodically loosen the soil and provide proper protection from pests.

The auricula is planted at a permanent place of growth when the rosettes of leaves reach 3-4 cm in diameter. Flowering most often occurs in the second year with this method of cultivation. Full decorativeness is achieved after 3 years.

If different varieties of primroses grow on the site, they can cross-pollinate. Therefore, to maintain a clean appearance, they should be planted separately.

Winter care

Direct winter hardiness even among English varieties is good, up to -25C without snow, and under snow they will withstand -40C. Problems may arise during prolonged rainy weather. In order to protect poorly acclimatized and capricious varieties, various shelters from precipitation during rainy periods, as well as treatment against fungal and bacterial rots, can be used.

Planting on cold acidified floating soils and the lack of drainage and runoff for excess water should not be allowed.

All auricles must be planted taking into account that when the snow melts, not even a small puddle will form around them (that is, no dimples around the stem for winter!). If necessary, in the summer you can make a depression for watering, but so that by winter there is a mound around it, not a hole. Auricula planted in groups on a gentle slope look great and feel good.

Problems in growing

Primrose aurica is susceptible to the negative effects of excess humidity. If the weather is too rainy, it is necessary to additionally protect the plants from rotting by arranging special shelters. Also, as the lower leaves and peduncles wither, they need to be removed. This will also prevent the auricula from rotting. After this, soil is added to the stem. This is especially important to do before wintering the plant.

In winter, the ear primrose can be damaged by rodents. To protect against pests during the cold period, the sockets are covered with bottoms cut from 5-liter bottles. Small ventilation holes are made in them on the side. Their size should be such that a mouse cannot penetrate under the dome to the plant.

To prevent fleas, ticks, aphids and slugs from eating the auricula, it is necessary to use special fungicides. They are available for sale in a wide range.

Having considered what the auricular primrose is, as well as the basics of its seed propagation, every gardener will be able to independently grow auricula on their own plot.

Variety of auricular primroses

It was the British breeders who managed to obtain a huge number of forms, groups and varieties of auricular primroses: double, two- and three-color, iridescent pearlescent, with variegated petals, “eyes”. The palette of petal colors has also increased; they can be red, soft pink, orange, burgundy, cream, purple, lilac, brown, green, gray. For a long time, the auricles of England were considered a national treasure, so they were forbidden to be taken out of the country.

Ear primroses are classified into four groups:

1. Alpine (Alpin) - they are characterized by neat flowers with a yellow or light center. Behind the middle part there is a darker tone, and along the edge there is again a light border. It seems that there are three colors in the flower at once. If the center is yellow, then the color of the flowers is usually with the addition of red and brown. Here are several varieties of ear primrose belonging to this group:

• "The General" (terracotta flowers);
• “Blue Wave” (“the eye of the flower is yellow, and the petals are violet-blue, they have radial stripes);
• “Alice Rushton” (large flowers have a white “eye” and purple petals);
• “Celtic King” (very large flowers have a white, mealy “eye”, and the petals are yellow);
• "Zambia" (double flowers, their color is dark red).

1. Borders or flowerbeds, or gardens (Borders) are unpretentious, persistent plants that have become the basis for the creation of many varieties. In most cases, the flowers are monochromatic, with large petals, the edges of which are wavy; multi-colored strokes may be present. We list the well-known varieties:

• "Gigantea" (the throat is yellow and the corolla is purple-brownish);
• "'Nummer Blumen'" (the throat is pale yellow, and the corolla is bluish-violet, there is a yellow border).

1. Terry (Double) - each flower has several rows of petals. The “Jupp” variety is very beautiful (fragrant orange-yellow flowers).
2. Exhibition (Show) - they can be called the most expressive and original. Their flowers are intensively covered with farina (that is, a white powdery coating). They must be grown only in pots or containers, always kept under cover, otherwise precipitation will damage the spray. Depending on the color, this group is divided into subgroups: Fancy, Striped, Edged, Self. There are specimens with contrasting petals, patterns and interesting touches. For example, the fantasy variety “Raja” has green flowers with bright red strokes.