Auriculas

Auriculas are flowering plants derived from Primula auricula, a perennial in the Primulaceae family native to European alpine regions. In horticulture, the term also refers to the extensive group of cultivated cultivars known as auricula hybrids, prized for their cup-shaped flowers and often contrasting centers.

The plant forms a neat rosette of evergreen leaves. Leaves are oblong to elliptic, dark green, with a slightly downy texture and finely toothed or smooth margins. Flower stalks rise from the center in spring, bearing whorls or clusters of upright, five-lobed flowers with a short tube. Flowers are typically 2–4 cm across and come in a wide range of colors, frequently with a darker eye at the center. Many cultivars have flat, rounded faces and edges that are crisped or edged in white.

Auriculas prefer cool, temperate conditions and are hardy in milder climates but can be susceptible to heat. They perform best in well-drained, moderately fertile soil enriched with organic matter, and in a site with sun to light shade. In pots, a light, peat-based mix is suitable. Regular watering during growth is important, but the soil should not be waterlogged. In frost-prone areas, protection or winter mulching is advisable.

Propagation is by division of the clumps in spring or autumn, or by seed sown in a cool frame for future plants. The auricula group includes a long tradition of cultivation and show varieties, particularly auricula hybrids developed in Europe in the 18th–20th centuries. These plants are commonly seen in ornamental gardens and are valued for their decorative flowers and evergreen foliage.