Auricula Primula auricula 'Clown Prince' (Au/st)
ABOUT
The Primula auricula 'Clown Prince', commonly known as Auricula, is a captivating plant admired for its ornamental appeal. It displays a rosette of green leaves that set the stage for its stunning flowers. The leaves are typically fleshy and may have a slightly powdery or waxy texture, contributing to their unique tactile quality. The most striking feature of the Auricula 'Clown Prince' is its flowers, which possess a striking contrast in colors. The petals exhibit a vibrant and eye-catching hue, ranging from deep and rich tones to bright and vivid colors that can easily grab attention in any garden setting. The 'Clown Prince' variety particularly stands out for its multi-colored blossoms, with a dramatic play of colors that may include bold shades of yellow, reds, purples, or blues. The flowers are circular in shape and have a round, paste-like center that is often a different color, giving the appearance of a small, sunken eye in the middle of the flower. This contrasting eye or center is one of the defining characteristics of this cultivar, lending it a whimsical and slightly exotic appearance reminiscent of a clown's face paint, hence the name 'Clown Prince'. While blooming, the Auricula 'Clown Prince' carries its beautiful blooms atop slender flowering stems that rise above the foliage, creating a delightful display that is sure to catch the eye. The overall look of the plant is one of intricate beauty, with the elaborate petal patterns and coloration providing a rich tapestry of visual interest. It's this striking aesthetic that makes the Auricula 'Clown Prince' a sought-after variety for enthusiasts of unique and ornate flowering plants.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Primulaceae
Synonyms
Bear's Ear Auricula, Mountain Cowslip, Bear's Ear Primrose
Common names
Primula auricula 'Clown Prince' (Au/st).
ToxicityTo humans
The common name of Primula auricula 'Clown Prince' is Auricula. Generally, Auriculas are not considered highly toxic to humans. However, they can cause mild irritation or an allergic reaction if the sap comes into contact with the skin or if any part of the plant is ingested. In rare cases, ingestion may result in symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. If you suspect poisoning, contact a medical professional for advice.
To pets
The common name of Primula auricula 'Clown Prince' is Auricula. Auriculas are not known to be highly toxic to pets, but they can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Symptoms in pets might include drooling, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. While the toxicity is generally low, it's still a good idea to prevent pets from ingesting this plant. If you suspect your pet has been poisoned by an Auricula, consult a veterinarian.
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- Attracts pollinators: Primula auricula, commonly known as Bear's Ear, often attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects which helps pollinate surrounding plants.
- Easy to grow: Bear's Ear is known for its ease of cultivation, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Ornamental appeal: With its striking colors and distinctive patterns, Bear's Ear adds significant aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Compact size: Its small stature makes it ideal for rock gardens, alpine gardens, borders, and as a filler in container gardening.
- Spring bloom: Bear's Ear flowers in the spring, providing early season color and interest in the garden after the winter months.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it has a degree of drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Cold hardiness: Bear's Ear can withstand cooler temperatures, making it suitable for cultivation in a variety of climates, including areas with cold winters.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Auricula theatres: Specially designed display cases known as auricula theatres were popular in the Victorian era to showcase Primula auricula collections.
- Photography: With its unique patterns and colors, Auricula can be an excellent subject for macro photography, attracting hobbyists and professionals alike.
- Floral Art: The vibrant flowers can be used in creating pressed flower crafts, such as bookmarks, cards, or wall art.
- Garden Design Teaching Tool: Auricula varieties, with their diverse hues and forms, can be used in garden design classes to teach about color theory and composition.
- Botanical Illustration: The distinctive appearance of Auricula makes it an interesting subject for botanical illustrators practicing their art.
- Theme Gardens: Auricula can be central to 'historical' theme gardens, representing the garden styles of the 16th to 19th centuries.
- Scented Gardens: Though subtle, Auricula flowers can contribute to the olfactory elements in a garden focused on scent.
- Color Therapy Spaces: Because of their vivid colors, Auriculas can be used in therapeutic garden spaces designed for color therapy.
- Bee and Butterfly Gardens: Auricula can contribute to the biodiversity of gardens aimed at attracting and supporting bees and butterflies.
- Culinary Garnish: Occasionally, the non-toxic flowers may be used as a delicate garnish for salads or desserts, although this is not a common use and should be done with caution as some people may be sensitive to eating them.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Auricula is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Auricula is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Uniqueness and Rarity: The Primula auricula 'Clown Prince' is known for its vibrant and unique coloration, symbolizing the beauty in being distinct and rare.
- Preciousness: Due to its intricate patterns and bright hues, this plant is often associated with things that are treasured and highly valued.
- Boldness and Confidence: With its striking appearance, it embodies the courage to stand out and the confidence to be oneself without fear.
- Creativity and Artistry: The cultivar's name 'Clown Prince' suggests a playful and creative spirit, often linked to the artistry of performers and artists.
- Endurance and Perseverance: As a hardy plant that thrives in alpine regions, it represents the ability to endure challenging conditions and persevere.
WaterAuricula 'Clown Prince' should be watered moderately, ensuring that the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. Typically, during active growth in spring and summer, water with approximately 1 gallon per week for outdoor plants and adjust for rainfall. Indoor plants may require watering every 5-7 days, depending on the humidity and temperature of the room. It's vital to reduce watering in the winter when the plant is not actively growing, allowing the soil to slightly dry out between watering sessions. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before adding water.
LightAuricula 'Clown Prince' thrives in bright, indirect light, making it suitable for placement near a window where it can receive filtered sunlight. Direct mid-day sun should be avoided, as it can scorch the leaves, while too little light may result in leggy growth and a lack of flowering. A north-facing or east-facing window is often ideal for providing the best light conditions.
TemperatureAuricula 'Clown Prince' prefers cool to moderate temperatures, ideally between 50°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 40°F, but should not be exposed to freezing conditions. Make sure to protect the plant from extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, as these can cause stress and damage.
PruningAuricula 'Clown Prince' should be deadheaded to remove faded flowers and encourage more blooms. Cutting back the foliage after flowering helps maintain a compact shape and promotes health by preventing disease. Pruning is best done immediately after the flowering season. Occasionally, older leaves can be trimmed to promote new growth and improve air circulation.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAuricula Primroses prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a slightly alkaline to neutral pH of about 6.5-7.5. A suitable mix can be made with one part loam, one part peat-free compost, and one part grit or perlite to ensure proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingAuricula Primroses should be repotted every one to two years or when the plant has outgrown its current pot. It's best to do this after flowering or in early fall to allow the plant to establish before winter.
Humidity & MistingAuricula Primroses thrive best in moderate humidity levels but can tolerate a wide range. Avoid excessively high humidity to prevent rot, which can be a problem for these plants.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light, and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in dappled shade, protect from harsh elements.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA.
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Primula auricula 'Clown Prince', commonly known as Auricula, begins with seed germination, which typically occurs in cool and moist conditions. Once germinated, the seedling grows into a rosette of leaves, establishing a root system and developing vegetative parts. As it matures, Auricula produces flower stalks with clusters of ornate, colorful flowers, usually in the spring. Following pollination, typically by insects, the flowers develop into capsules containing numerous tiny seeds. After seed dispersal, the plant often goes through a period of dormancy, particularly in hot or dry conditions. With favourable environmental conditions in the succeeding growing season, Auricula will continue to grow and can be propagated either by seed or division to maintain its lifecycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The optimal time to propagate Primula auricula 'Clown Prince', commonly known as Auricula or Mountain Cowslip, is typically in late spring to early summer, after flowering has finished. Division is the most popular method of propagation for this plant. This involves carefully separating the plant into smaller sections, making sure that each new section has a part of the root system attached. Once divided, the sections can be immediately replanted into well-draining soil, preferably enriched with compost to provide adequate nutrients for the new plants. It's important to water the newly planted divisions gently to help establish them, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. This method of propagation helps to maintain the unique characteristics of the 'Clown Prince' cultivar, ensuring that the new plants are true to the parent's form and coloration.
