Overview
Primula auricula 'Erica' (Au/A) is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Primula, part of the Primulaceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. Primula auricula 'Erica' (Au/A) grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4, H5, H6, H7. Suggested uses include borders, containers, woodland gardens, rock gardens, bedding, wildflower meadows, wildlife gardens, coastal gardens and cottage gardens.
About
Primula auricula 'Erica' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial within the Primula genus, known for its semi-evergreen foliage and basal rosette of simple leaves. This cultivar produces salver-shaped or bell-shaped flowers on upright stems, typical of Primulas. It thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained soils across a range of types and pH levels, preferring full sun to partial shade in sheltered, south-, east-, or west-facing aspects. Suitable for various garden settings including borders, containers, rock and woodland gardens, it is hardy in UK zones H4 to H7 and flowers in spring and summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Primula
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4, H5, H6, H7
Plant details
Primula auricula 'Erica' (Au/A) size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Containers, Woodland gardens, Rock gardens, Bedding, Wildflower meadows, Wildlife gardens, Coastal gardens, Cottage gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Primula auricula 'Erica' (Au/A)
- Propagation
- Seed, Root basal cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Vine weevil, Slugs, Leaf and bud eelworms, Leaf-mining flies, Glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Leaf spot, Grey moulds
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Primula auricula 'Erica' (Au/A)?
Primula auricula 'Erica' (Au/A) prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Primula auricula 'Erica' (Au/A) need?
Primula auricula 'Erica' (Au/A) is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Primula auricula 'Erica' (Au/A) hardy in the UK?
Primula auricula 'Erica' (Au/A) has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Primula auricula 'Erica' (Au/A)?
Seed, Root basal cuttings.
More in the Primula genus
- Primula 'Orange With Yellow'
- Primula auricula 'Forest Pretty Woman' (Au/d)
- Primula auricula 'Forest Red Mist' (Au/d)
- Primula auricula 'Forest Scarlet Woman' (Au/d)
- Primula auricula 'Geldersome Green' (Au/S)
- Primula auricula 'Geordie' (Au/A)
- Primula auricula 'Gloire de Dijon' (Au/S)
- Primula auricula 'Humphrey' (Au/S)