Bear's Ear Auricula Primula auricula 'Brownie' (Au/b)
ABOUT
Primula auricula 'Brownie' is a type of Primrose known for its distinctive, ornamental beauty. The plant produces rosettes of rounded leaves that are softly textured. The foliage provides a lush green backdrop that contrasts with the remarkable flowers it bears. The blossoms of the 'Brownie' are particularly striking, featuring a deep, velvety hue that ranges from rich chocolate to a dark maroon shade. Each flower consists of a central cluster of petal-like structures, often a lighter color or even a contrasting yellow, which creates a captivating, eye-catching effect. This central zone is called the 'eye' and is a signature feature of this variety. The flowers typically show a gradation of color, with the darker outer petals encircling the lighter central eye, producing a layered look. The petals themselves have a rounded appearance and are arranged in a circular fashion, giving the bloom a harmonious, symmetrical look. The overall impression of Primula auricula 'Brownie' is one of lush foliage crowned with richly colored, complex flowers, which makes it a favorite among gardeners seeking to add a touch of elegance and drama to their plant collections. Its visual appeal lies in the contrast of the dark blooms against the green of its leaves, creating a stunning display that catches the eye and enhances any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Primulaceae
Synonyms
Bear's Ear Auricula, Mountain Cowslip, Bear's Ear Primrose
Common names
Primula auricula 'Brownie' (Au/b).
ToxicityTo humans
Auricula is not known to be highly toxic to humans. However, like many plants in the Primulaceae family, it may cause mild irritation if ingested or if the sap comes into contact with skin. This can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea if eaten and skin redness or itching upon contact. It's generally advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants, and the Auricula is no exception, even if it's not considered severely toxic.
To pets
Auricula can cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset in pets if ingested. Common symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. It can also cause mild skin irritation if they come into contact with the sap. While it's not one of the most toxic plants to pets, it's a good practice to prevent them from chewing on it to avoid any potential discomfort or more serious symptoms in sensitive individuals.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
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: Primula auricula 'Brownie' is relatively straightforward to cultivate, requiring minimal care once established.
- Ornamental Appeal: Adds vibrant color to gardens with its unique brownish-red flowers.
- Extended Blooming: Offers a long flowering period from early to late spring.
- Attracts Wildlife: Provides nectar that attracts butterflies and bees, contributing to pollinator health and biodiversity.
- Compact Size: With its small stature, it fits well in rock gardens, containers, and small spaces.
- Hardy Perennial: Demonstrates good resistance to colder temperatures, making it suitable for various climates.
- Low Maintenance: Does not require frequent watering or care, ideal for low-effort gardening.
- Non-Invasive: Maintains a clump-forming habit without spreading aggressively, simplifying garden management.
- Versatile: Can be used in alpine troughs, borders, and as part of a mixed planting scheme for aesthetic variety.
- Color Variety: Available in a wide range of colors, 'Brownie' provides an unusual shade that can complement diverse planting palettes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The petals of Auricula can be boiled to produce a natural dye for fabrics or paper, achieving subtle yellow or brown hues.
- In photography: Auricula can be used as a subject for botanical photography due to its unique color and form, which can be especially interesting for macro photography enthusiasts.
- As an edible garnish: While not commonly known, the flowers of Auricula are edible and can be used to add color and a slight floral hint to salads or desserts.
- In potpourri: Dried Auricula petals can be incorporated into potpourri mixtures to contribute their subtle fragrance and provide an interesting visual element.
- As a floral paintbrush: Children can use Auricula flowers as a natural paintbrush for a fun and creative outdoor painting activity, dipping the petals in non-toxic paint and stamping onto paper.
- In crafting bookmarks: Pressed Auricula flowers can be laminated or encased in resin to create unique and personalized bookmarks.
- For candling: Petals of Auricula can be used in the old-fashioned process of candling, wherein they are placed in the wax of handmade candles for decorative purposes.
- In botanical illustration: Artists specializing in botanical illustrations may choose Auricula as a subject due to its distinctive appearance and historical significance in horticulture.
- As a muse for poets and writers: The striking appearance of Auricula has inspired poetry and prose, acting as a muse for creative literary works.
- For educational purposes: Auricula can be used as a tool for teaching botany, helping students to learn about plant structure, taxonomy, and the history of plant cultivation.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Primula is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Primula is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Unique Beauty: The 'Brownie' cultivar of Primula auricula stands out with its distinct brownish hues, symbolizing the beauty that comes from uniqueness and the non-traditional.
- Patience: As a plant that takes care to flourish and often blooms early in spring, it represents patience and the reward of waiting for something beautiful.
- Perseverance: Known for its ability to thrive in alpine areas, this plant represents perseverance and resilience in challenging conditions.
- Adaptability: The ability of Primula auricula to adapt to various climates signifies flexibility and the capacity to adjust to different situations in life.
- Cherished Friendship: Given as a gift, it may symbolize a cherished friendship, representing the nurturing of close bonds over time.
WaterFor a Bear's Ear Primula (Primula auricula 'Brownie'), water carefully to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Depending on the environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, watering once a week with about 8-16 ounces of water should be sufficient. During the active growing season in spring and summer, you might need to water more frequently, possibly twice a week if the weather is particularly warm or dry. It's essential to reduce watering in the fall and winter when the plant's growth slows down. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering again.
LightBear's Ear Primula thrives in partial shade conditions, where it can receive bright but indirect light. It is best to place it in a spot that avoids the intense midday sun, which can scorch the delicate leaves. Morning sunlight with afternoon shade, or filtered light throughout the day is ideal. If growing indoors, an east or north-facing window is a good spot for these light preferences.
TemperatureBear's Ear Primula performs best in cooler temperatures, ideally between 50°F and 60°F. They can tolerate temperatures down to around 40°F and can survive up to about 80°F, but prolonged exposure to temperatures outside this range can harm the plant. Bear's Ear Primula is not tolerant of extreme heat and should be protected from hot temperatures.
PruningPrune Bear's Ear Primula to remove dead or fading flowers and encourage bushier growth and more blooms. This is often done after the primary blooming phase in the spring. Depending on growing conditions, additional light pruning may be beneficial throughout the growing season to maintain plant health and appearance. The best time for major pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAuricula Primroses, including 'Brownie,' thrive best when potted in a well-draining, gritty mix that is slightly alkaline to neutral in pH, typically around 6.0 to 7.5. A blend of one part loam, one part grit (like perlite or coarse sand), and one part leaf mold or peat-free compost works well to provide the nutrients and drainage these plants need.
RepottingAuricula Primroses like 'Brownie' should generally be repotted every year or every other year, usually after they have finished flowering. Regular repotting helps to refresh the soil, prevent overcrowding, and maintain plant vigor.
Humidity & MistingAuricula Primroses, such as 'Brownie,' prefer moderate humidity levels but do not tolerate excessive dampness. Aim for a humidity level around 50-60%, ensuring good air circulation to prevent issues with mold and rot.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in cool, bright light, away from direct sun.
Outdoor
Plant in dappled shade, shelter from harsh weather.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Auricula 'Brownie' begins with seed germination, which requires a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Once germinated, the seedling develops a rosette of leaves close to the soil surface. As the plant matures, it produces a flower stalk, and the colorful, often ornamental flowers bloom in spring. After pollination, typically by insects, seeds are produced and dispersed, completing the reproductive cycle. In the absence of harsh weather, the Auricula 'Brownie' exhibits perennial characteristics, with the plant going into dormancy during the colder months and resuming growth as temperatures rise. The plant may also propagate vegetatively through offsets, where new shoots grow from the base of the rosette.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Primula auricula 'Brownie', commonly known as Auricula or Bear's Ear, is often propagated by division, which is arguably the most popular method. This is best done in late summer after the flowering period is over, typically in August or September. To propagate by division, carefully lift the parent plant out of the ground or its container, making sure to keep as much of the root ball intact as possible. Then, gently tease apart the clumps into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has at least one growing point or shoot, along with a sufficient amount of roots. These divisions can then be immediately replanted into prepared soil at the same depth they were growing before, watered thoroughly with about a cup of water (approximately 240 milliliters), and maintained in a bright, sheltered location while they establish themselves. It's imperative to keep the soil moist but not soggy to encourage new root growth without rot.
