About
A prolific 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.
About the 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
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Alpine Rockery
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
ToxicitySkin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationAlpine 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
PruningDeadhead, and remove dead or damaged leaves, as necessary
PropagationPropagate by division or separating and rooting offsets, after flowering
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, leafhopper, vine weevil and slugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a virus, primula brown core and grey moulds (botrytis)