Auricula Primula auricula 'Brenda's Choice' (Au/a)
ABOUT
Primula auricula 'Brenda's Choice' is a striking ornamental plant notable for its beautiful flower clusters. The most eye-catching feature of this plant is its flowers which exhibit a vibrant combination of colors, typically with petals that blend deep reds to bright yellows, and occasionally edged in a contrasting hue, such as purple, giving them an almost theatrical appearance. These flowers are often arranged in clusters at the top of sturdy stems, rising above the foliage like colorful umbrellas presenting a delightful display. The petals have a velvety texture that enhances their rich coloration. Beneath these alluring blossoms, the foliage forms a lush rosette. The leaves have a somewhat fleshy texture and may be covered with a fine, meal-like dusting that gives them a unique, frosted appearance. These leaves tend to be a deep green color, providing an excellent background that makes the flowers truly stand out. The evergreen leaves help to lend year-round interest to the plant, long after the flowers have faded. Overall, Primula auricula 'Brenda's Choice' offers a captivating visual with its bright show of flowers and attractive foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Primulaceae
Synonyms
Bear's Ear Auricula, Mountain Cowslip, Bear's Ear Primrose
Common names
Primula auricula 'Brenda's Choice'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Auricula is not highly toxic to humans. However, it can cause mild irritation. If ingested, some people might experience mild stomach upset. Handling the plant may cause skin irritation due to the presence of primin, a compound found in the plant's sap. If a person is allergic or sensitive to the plant, they might experience contact dermatitis. It is recommended to wash your hands after handling the plant and to avoid ingesting any part of it.
To pets
The Auricula is also not highly toxic to pets, but similar to its effects in humans, it could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by animals such as cats or dogs. Additionally, if pets come into contact with the sap, they might experience skin irritation. It is always a good idea to prevent pets from ingesting plants and to consult with a veterinarian if any unusual symptoms appear after exposure.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to grow: Au/a is known to be hardy and can easily adapt to a variety of garden conditions, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Attracts pollinators: This plant's colorful flowers attract bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination and the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Long flowering period: Auricula flowers typically have a long blooming season, providing continuous color and interest in the garden.
- Compact size: The Au/a has a compact growth habit, which makes it ideal for small gardens, rockeries, or as a part of a mixed border.
- Variety of colors: The 'Brenda's Choice' cultivar offers a range of colors that can enhance the visual appeal of any garden or landscape design.
- Alpine heritage: As an alpine plant, Au/a is well-suited to rock gardens and can thrive in areas that mimic its native mountainous habitat.
- Container gardening: Due to its size and adaptability, it is suitable for container gardening, expanding its versatility in urban and limited-space environments.
- Show plant: Primula auricula varieties are often used in Auricula Theatres and flower shows, making 'Brenda's Choice' an excellent selection for gardeners who enjoy exhibiting their plants.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography: Due to its striking appearance, Auricula 'Brenda's Choice' can be used as a subject in macro photography, showcasing the details of its petals and unique coloration.
- Educational Tool: Botany students can use Auricula 'Brenda's Choice' to study the characteristics of Primulaceae family and hybrid plant varieties.
- Potted Gifts: Due to their compact size and vibrant flowers, they can be given as living gifts for occasions such as Mother's Day or birthdays.
- Floral Arrangements: The Auricula can be used in small floral arrangements and table centerpieces, especially during spring events.
- Jewelry Inspiration: The unique colors of the flowers can inspire the design of custom jewelry, such as earrings and brooches.
- Artists' Muse: The rich colors and form of Auricula 'Brenda's Choice' provide a beautiful subject for artists to paint or draw.
- Theater Set Design: Live plants or realistic replicas can be used in stage design to create natural settings for plays and musicals.
- Wedding Decor: Small potted Auriculas can be used as part of wedding table decor or as favors for guests to take home.
- Collector's Item: Auriculas, including 'Brenda's Choice', are often collected by horticultural enthusiasts for their unique variations and are showcased in Auricula Theaters.
- Seasonal Displays: Auricula 'Brenda's Choice' can be incorporated into seasonal decorative displays, particularly in springtime gardens or conservatories.
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- Purity: The Primula auricula is often associated with purity due to its delicate and pristine appearance.
- Hope: As a spring-blooming flower, it represents hope and the optimism that comes with the onset of spring.
- Patience: Known for its gradual and steady growth, the auricula signifies patience and the willingness to wait for beauty to unfold.
- Constancy: The auricula often blooms in the same location for many years, representing constancy and enduring presence.
- New Beginnings: Its early bloom in spring denotes new beginnings and a fresh start.
- Admiration: The unique patterns and colors of the auricula can represent admiration for something special and exquisite.
WaterAuriculas like the Primula auricula 'Brenda's Choice' prefer to be kept moist but not overly wet. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which may be about once a week, depending on environmental conditions. Provide a gentle watering with room temperature water, ensuring you wet the soil not the foliage, to avoid roughly 1 gallon of water per plant in a month, adjusting for rainfall and temperature variations.
LightAuriculas such as Primula auricula 'Brenda's Choice' thrive in bright, indirect light. They benefit from a north-facing window or a spot that receives dappled sunlight. Protecting them from the harsh afternoon sun will prevent leaf burn and ensure vibrant flower color.
TemperatureAuriculas like Primula auricula 'Brenda's Choice' enjoy cool temperatures and can tolerate a range from 40 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, they grow best in temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees. They should not be exposed to temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit for prolonged periods, as this may cause damage.
PruningAuriculas such as Primula auricula 'Brenda's Choice' require minimal pruning. Remove dead or yellowing leaves as needed to encourage new growth and prevent disease. The best time for pruning is after flowering, to tidy up the plant and help direct energy into the production of new leaves and flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAuricula (Primula auricula 'Brenda's Choice') thrives best in well-draining soil mixed with compost and leaf mold to help retain moisture. A good mix might be one part loam, one part grit or perlite, and one part peat or compost. Aim for a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5 for optimal growth.
RepottingAuriculas, including 'Brenda's Choice', should be repotted every one to two years to replenish the soil and give room for growth. The best time to repot is just after flowering, usually in late spring or early summer.
Humidity & MistingAuriculas like 'Brenda's Choice' prefer moderate humidity levels. They thrive in outdoor conditions with natural humidity, but if grown indoors, aim for around 50% relative humidity for optimal health.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and cool temps.
Outdoor
Place in partial shade, shelter from harsh sun.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Primula auricula 'Brenda's Choice', commonly known as Auricula Primrose, begins with germination from seed, which typically occurs in moist, well-drained soil in a cool, partly shady environment. The seedling stage follows, characterized by the emergence of a basal rosette of leaves. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, during which it develops a robust root system and more leaves. The Auricula Primrose typically flowers in the spring, producing vibrant and often ornately patterned flowers that can attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into capsules containing several seeds, marking the reproductive stage. Finally, once seeds are dispersed, the plant either dies back, if it is a biennial, or goes into a period of dormancy for perennial varieties, concluding the annual cycle and preparing for the next flowering season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Primula auricula 'Brenda's Choice', commonly known as Auricula or Bear's Ear, is by division. This is typically done in late summer to early fall, following the plant's flowering period. Division involves gently separating the offsets, which are small plantlets that form at the base of the parent plant. These offsets, with their own roots, can be carefully detached from the main plant and planted separately. They should be replanted in soil that has been well-prepared with organic matter, at a depth where the offset's crown is just at soil level. It is crucial to keep the new divisions well-watered, without saturating the soil, until they establish themselves and begin to show new growth.
