Overview
Primula auricula hort. 'Helena Dean' (Au/d) is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Primula, part of the Primulaceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. Primula auricula hort. 'Helena Dean' (Au/d) 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 hort. 'Helena Dean' is a clump-forming cultivar of Primula, a genus of perennial plants known for their basal rosette of simple leaves and salver-shaped or bell-shaped flowers on upright stems. This semi-evergreen plant thrives in full sun or partial shade with a sheltered aspect, preferring fertile, moist but well-drained soil that can be chalk, clay, loam, or sand with a range of pH levels. Hardy across several UK zones, it is suitable for various garden settings including borders, containers, rock gardens, and woodland areas, offering interest 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 hort. 'Helena Dean' (Au/d) 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 hort. 'Helena Dean' (Au/d)
- 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 hort. 'Helena Dean' (Au/d)?
Primula auricula hort. 'Helena Dean' (Au/d) prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Primula auricula hort. 'Helena Dean' (Au/d) need?
Primula auricula hort. 'Helena Dean' (Au/d) 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 hort. 'Helena Dean' (Au/d) hardy in the UK?
Primula auricula hort. 'Helena Dean' (Au/d) 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 hort. 'Helena Dean' (Au/d)?
Seed, Root basal cuttings.
More in the Primula genus
- Primula 'Orange With Yellow'
- Primula auricula 'Erica' (Au/A)
- 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)