Overview
Primula auricula 'Toffee Apple' (Au/d) is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Primula, part of the Primulaceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. Primula auricula 'Toffee Apple' (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 'Toffee Apple' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial belonging to the Primula genus, known for its basal rosette of simple leaves and upright stems bearing salver-shaped or bell-shaped flowers. This semi-evergreen cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade, preferring sheltered, south-, east-, or west-facing aspects. It grows well in fertile, moist but well-drained soils of various types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, across a range of pH levels. Hardy in UK zones H4 to H7, it is suitable for borders, containers, rock gardens, and cottage gardens, with 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 'Toffee Apple' (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 'Toffee Apple' (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 'Toffee Apple' (Au/d)?
Primula auricula 'Toffee Apple' (Au/d) prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Primula auricula 'Toffee Apple' (Au/d) need?
Primula auricula 'Toffee Apple' (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 'Toffee Apple' (Au/d) hardy in the UK?
Primula auricula 'Toffee Apple' (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 'Toffee Apple' (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)
