Auricula Primula auricula hort. 'Dill' (Au/a)
ABOUT
Primula 'Dill' is a captivating ornamental plant known for its unique and attractive flowers. It possesses a rosette of lush green, rounded to oval leaves, often with a slightly toothed or smooth edge, which forms the base of the plant. The foliage serves as a backdrop to the true highlight: the exquisite blooms that sit atop slender stems rising above the leaves. The flowers of the 'Dill' cultivar are a delight to behold, with their distinctive coloration and form. The blossoms are typically composed of a vibrant yellow center, known as the eye, which commands attention. This eye is surrounded by radiating petals that can exhibit a range of colors from deep, rich velvets to soft pastels. The petals themselves may be smooth-edged or lightly fringed, adding to the ornamental charm of the plant. These blossoms often display a dusting or powdery coating, known as farina, which is a waxy secretion that may cover the flowers and sometimes the foliage, giving them a frosted appearance. This characteristic feature contributes to the plant's allure, making it a favorite among garden enthusiasts. The flowers are generally structured in clusters, known as umbels, with several blooms forming a rounded, umbrella-like pattern that is visually striking and appealing. Overall, the appearance of Primula 'Dill' is one that exudes a delicate beauty, with its balanced combination of lush greenery and vividly colored, intricate flowers that make it an outstanding addition to any garden space or as a container specimen for a pop of springtime color.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Primulaceae.
Synonyms
Bear's Ear, Mountain Cowslip, Auricula.
Common names
Primula auricula hort. 'Dill' (Au/a).
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known commonly as auricula is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, it is worth noting that some people may experience mild discomfort or skin irritation if they have certain sensitivities or allergies, especially to members of the Primulaceae family. If ingested in large quantities, it could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea or stomach pain. It is always prudent to avoid eating ornamental plants as they are not intended for consumption.
To pets
Auricula is generally not considered highly toxic to pets, but similar to humans, it can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in significant amounts. Symptoms may include vomiting or diarrhea. Additionally, pets with specific allergies may exhibit reactions such as skin irritation. As a precaution, it is advisable to prevent pets from ingesting plants that are not confirmed to be safe for consumption.
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- Aesthetic Appeal: With its colorful and unique flowers, Primula auricula, commonly known as auricula, adds vibrancy and visual interest to gardens.
- Pollinator Attraction: Auriculas can attract bees and butterflies, which are important pollinators for many plants and ecosystems.
- Compact Size: Auriculas are well-suited for small spaces, rockeries, and alpine gardens due to their modest growth habit.
- Early Blooming: As one of the earlier flowers to bloom in spring, they provide much-needed color after a long winter.
- Hardiness: Auriculas are known for their ability to withstand cold temperatures, often being one of the first plants to thrive in early spring.
- Container Gardening: They adapt well to container planting, which is ideal for balconies, patios, or for those with limited gardening space.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, auriculas require minimal care, making them a suitable choice for novice gardeners.
- Variety of Colors: Auriculas come in an array of colors and patterns, providing a wide selection for gardeners to choose from.
- Heritage and History: Auriculas have a long history of cultivation and collecting, offering historical and cultural interest to enthusiasts.
- Propagation and Breeding: They are relatively easy to propagate through offshoots or seeds, allowing gardeners to expand their collection.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Auricula 'Dill' can be used in alpine rock gardens for their unique, ornamental appearance and ability to thrive in rocky substrates.
- Due to their compact size, they are suitable for container gardening and window boxes, adding vibrant colors to small spaces.
- These plants are often featured in auricula theatres (specialized display shelving) which is a traditional and theatrical way to showcase their beauty during blooming season.
- They can be utilized in small-scale ground cover applications to create a tapestry of color when planted en masse.
- Auricula 'Dill' can be used in cottage gardens to contribute to a diverse planting scheme, adding texture and depth with their rosettes of foliage and bright blooms.
- These plants are suitable for forcing in a cool greenhouse to enjoy their blooms earlier in the season, as part of an early spring display.
- In mild climates, they can be used to underplant deciduous trees, taking advantage of the open canopy during early spring.
- They can be part of a sensory garden, appreciated for their velvety foliage and the texture contrast with other plants.
- Their colorful and sometimes patterned leaves can add visual interest to a shade garden where other flowers might not bloom as prolifically.
- Auricula 'Dill', when placed strategically in a garden, can be used to draw attention to certain features or to create focal points.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Primula auricula is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Primula auricula is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Patience: The Auricula, often blooming in the early spring, is seen as a symbol of patience for the warmer days ahead.
- Unique Beauty: The distinctive appearance of the Auricula 'Dill', with its varied and vibrant colors, represents the uniqueness and beauty found in diversity.
- Persistence: As a hardy perennial, the Auricula signifies persistence and the ability to thrive in challenging conditions.
- Delicacy: The fine features and delicate structure of its flowers suggest a sense of fragility and the need for gentle care.
WaterThe Auricula, also known as Bear's Ear, should be watered moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Typically, during active growth in spring and summer, watering might be required once a week with about half a gallon for outdoor plants or 4-6 ounces for indoor pots, depending on size, temperature, and sunlight exposure. During dormancy in winter, reduce watering frequency to every other week, using less water to keep the soil barely moist. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage.
LightAuriculas prefer bright, indirect sunlight and should be placed in a spot that receives morning light while being protected from harsh afternoon sun rays. An east-facing window or a shaded southern window provides ideal light conditions for indoor Auriculas. Outdoor plants should be grown in dappled shade to prevent leaf scorch.
TemperatureAuriculas thrive in cool to mild temperatures and can tolerate a range from 40 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, they perform best when daytime temperatures are between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive light frosts, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing or above 80 degrees Fahrenheit can be harmful.
PruningPruning Auriculas is generally done to remove dead or fading flowers and leaves to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance. Prune after the main spring bloom, typically removing spent flower stems at their base. Deadheading throughout the blooming period also promotes more flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Auricula Primrose should be well-draining, rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture of one-part loam, one-part peat moss, and one-part perlite or coarse sand is ideal, ensuring good aeration and moisture retention.
RepottingAuricula Primroses should be repotted every one to two years to replenish the nutrients in the soil and to prevent them from becoming pot-bound. Repotting is best done in late winter or early spring just before the new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingAuricula Primroses thrive in moderate humidity levels. They prefer an environment with 50% to 60% humidity. If the air is too dry, it can lead to stress and leaf problems, so maintaining moderate humidity is essential for the health of the plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Auricula Primrose in bright, indirect light with cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Partial shade, moist soil, cool air, and protect from direct hot sun.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cyclePrimula auricula hort. 'Dill', commonly known as Border Auricula, begins its life as a seed, which, once sown and depending on conditions, germinates to produce a small rosette of leaves. This perennial plant enters a vegetative stage where it focuses on leaf growth and establishing a strong root system. After a period of time, which can be within a year, it reaches maturity and produces flowers, typically in the spring, displaying a range of colors from bright yellows to deep purples and reds in eye-catching clusters. Following pollination, which can be assisted by insects such as bees, the plant will set seed, completing the reproductive stage of its life cycle. The seeds can then be collected and sown to produce new plants, or they may self-sow in suitable growing conditions. Throughout its lifecycle, which can span several years due to its perennial nature, the plant will continue to undergo periods of dormancy, usually in the winter months, where growth slows down significantly, allowing it to survive adverse conditions and return with vigor in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagating the common name Bear's Ear Auricula, Primula auricula 'Dill', is through division. The best time to propagate this plant by division is in the late summer or early fall, following the flowering period. To propagate, carefully lift the clump from the soil, ensuring a generous amount of root is attached. Using your hands or a sharp knife, gently separate the clump into smaller sections, making sure each new section has at least one growth bud and a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions into a well-draining potting mix, at the same depth they were growing originally, and water thoroughly. Keep the newly planted divisions moist but not waterlogged to encourage root development and to establish the plant in its new location.
