Auricula Primula auricula 'Blush Baby' (Au/st)
ABOUT
Primula auricula 'Blush Baby', also known as Auricula 'Blush Baby', is a charming perennial plant. Its most striking feature is its beautiful, rounded flowers that exhibit a unique coloring. The petals often display a soft, pastel hue that blends from a delicate pink to a creamy white toward the edges, reminiscent of a blushing cheek. This gentle gradation of color gives it a particularly endearing and soft appearance. The blossoms are arranged in an umbel-like cluster, presenting on upright stems, which rise beautifully above the plant's foliage. The foliage of the Auricula 'Blush Baby' is also noteworthy, comprised of luscious, green leaves that have a somewhat succulent quality. They are typically oval or spoon-shaped with a smooth texture, forming a low rosette that complements the striking flowers poised above. The combination of the elegant blooms and the dense, rich greenery makes the Auricula 'Blush Baby' a captivating and sought-after cultivar for garden enthusiasts or as an ornamental addition to various outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Primulaceae.
Synonyms
Bear's Ear, Mountain Cowslip, Auricula.
Common names
Primula auricula 'Blush Baby'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as Bear's Ear is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, it's important to note that some people might be sensitive to plants in the Primula family and could experience mild skin irritation when handling them without gloves. If ingested, there might be some discomfort such as nausea or stomach upset, but serious toxicity is rare. As with any non-food plant, it's advisable to avoid ingesting any parts of this plant.
To pets
Bear's Ear is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed amongst the commonly toxic plants for dogs and cats. However, ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset in pets, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If a pet ingests a significant amount of the plant, it is advisable to monitor for any signs of illness and consult a veterinarian if any concerning symptoms arise.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6-8 inches (15-20 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds delicate beauty to gardens with its unique blushed pink flowers.
- Compact Size: Ideal for small spaces, rockeries, or containers due to its small, neat growth habit.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care, making it suitable for busy gardeners or those with limited time.
- Cold Tolerance: Hardy in many climates, capable of surviving and flowering in cooler temperatures.
- Long Blooming Period: Provides a long season of color, often blooming from mid-spring to early summer.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Less likely to be eaten by deer and rabbits, reducing the need for protective measures.
- Propagates Easily: Can be easily propagated by offsets, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
- Non-Invasive: Does not spread aggressively, making it a responsible choice for maintaining ecological balances.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Perfume Industry: The delicate scent of Auricula flowers can be used in creating floral fragrances and perfumes.
- Educational Tool: Schools and educational programs may use Auriculas to teach children about plant biology and hybridization due to their diverse range of colors.
- Photography: The unique appearance of Auriculas makes them a popular subject for botanical photographers and artists.
- Dye Production: Although not commonly used for this purpose, the pigments in Auricula petals could potentially be used to create natural dyes for fabrics.
- Collector's Item: Due to their unique varieties, Auriculas can be considered collectible items for horticultural enthusiasts.
- Culinary Decoration: Edible flowers of Auricula can be used as decorative garnishes on cakes and desserts.
- Theme Gardens: Auriculas can be featured in Elizabethan or historical theme gardens to provide an authentic period feel.
- Botanical Illustration: They are often used as subjects for detailed botanical illustration and watercolor painting due to their intricate patterns.
- Wedding Decor: Auriculas can be incorporated into wedding bouquets or table decorations for a rustic or vintage-themed wedding.
- Special Events: They are sometimes grown for competitive showing at special Auricula events and flower shows.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bear's ear is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bear's ear is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Patience - The Primula auricula, commonly known as "auricula," often takes time to bloom, representing the virtue of patience in waiting for beautiful things to manifest.
- Unique Love - Auriculas are known for their unique, pastel colors and exquisite patterns, symbolizing a distinctive and rare form of love.
- Persistence - Auriculas can flourish in alpine climates, symbolizing the ability to persist and thrive even in challenging conditions.
- Daintiness - The delicate appearance of the 'Blush Baby' variety of auricula expresses a sense of grace and refined beauty.
- Hope - The bright and cheerful colors of auriculas can represent hope and positivity, lighting up gardens even on gloomy days.
WaterThe common name for Primula auricula 'Blush Baby' is Bear's Ear, and it should be watered thoroughly whenever the soil surface begins to feel dry to the touch. Typically, this means watering once every 7-10 days, depending on the environmental conditions. When watering, apply water directly to the base of the plant, avoiding the foliage, to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Use approximately one to two cups of water for smaller pots, ensuring excess water can drain freely from the bottom of the container. During the active growing season in spring and summer, the frequency may increase due to higher temperatures and sunlight exposure, whereas in the fall and winter, water less frequently as the plant enters a dormant phase.
LightBear's Ear prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade. A spot that receives morning sun followed by afternoon shade is ideal. Avoid placing it in direct, harsh afternoon sunlight, as it can damage the leaves and flowers. A north-facing or east-facing window would be a good indoor location, while a sheltered spot outdoors that receives dappled sunlight works well.
TemperatureBear's Ear thrives in cooler temperatures, doing best between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost. The ideal growing conditions are cool, avoiding extremes, so during the hot summer months, ensure the plant is situated in a cooler spot that mimics its preferred temperature range.
PruningPrune Bear's Ear to remove dead or fading flowers and to maintain the plant's shape. This encourages new growth and a more substantial bloom in the following season. Pruning is most effective after the main blooming period, usually in late spring or early summer. Cut back the spent flower stems to the base of the plant and remove any damaged or dead leaves at this time.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAuricula Primula, commonly known as Bear's Ear, thrives in a well-draining soil mix with equal parts loam, peat, and sharp sand. The ideal pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingBear's Ear should be repotted every one to two years to ensure the soil remains fresh and to accommodate root growth. It's best to repot in the spring.
Humidity & MistingBear's Ear prefers moderate humidity levels; aim for around 50% to 60% humidity for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in bright indirect light, cool temp, and water sparingly.
Outdoor
Place in partial shade, shelter from rain, and ensure good drainage.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleAuricula 'Blush Baby', a cultivar of Primula auricula, begins its life cycle as a seed, typically sown in late winter to early spring in well-draining soil with some shade. The seed germinates into a small seedling, which then develops into a rosette of leaves characteristic of many Primula species. As the plant matures, typically within the first year, it produces tall flowering stems, blooming mainly in spring with charming, pastel-colored flowers that are the cultivar’s namesake. After the flowering period, the plant sets seeds, which can be collected and sown or allowed to self-sow. The foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season, and with proper care, the plant may go dormant in winter, particularly in colder climates. Auricula 'Blush Baby' is a perennial, re-emerging from its rootstock each spring to start the cycle anew, often with increased vigor and a larger clump of foliage.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Primula auricula 'Blush Baby', often referred to as Auricula Primrose, is typically propagated through division, which is a popular method due to its simplicity and effectiveness. The best time to propagate Auricula Primrose by division is in late summer, after flowering has ended, or in early fall when the plant is not actively growing. To divide the plant, carefully dig it up and gently separate the offsets, which are small clumps of leaves with their own root system, from the main plant. Make sure each division has several leaves and a portion of roots attached. Replant the divisions immediately at the same soil depth they were originally growing, spacing them about 6 to 12 inches apart (approximately 15 to 30 centimeters apart), and water them well to help establish the newly planted divisions.
