Auricula Primula auricula 'Fiddler's Green' (Au/d)
ABOUT
The Primula auricula 'Fiddler's Green' is a captivating plant with a distinct appearance. It stands out with its unique flowers, which are typically a deep, rich hue, often a shade of velvety purple that draws the eye. The center of each flower is even more striking, with a bright, contrasting yellow that looks like a splash of sunlight at the core. The petals are rounded and arranged in a tiered, whorled fashion, emanating a sense of organized beauty. The leaves of 'Fiddler's Green' are equally impressive. They have a lush, green color that may be tinged with powdery farina, giving them a slightly frosted appearance. The leaves are typically thick and have a somewhat rubbery texture, forming an attractive rosette at the base of the plant. This rosette shape is characteristic and gives the plant a neat, compact look. Overall, 'Fiddler's Green' is a visually appealing plant that catches admiring glances with its contrast of dark flowers against the light farina on the foliage, combining both a traditional charm and a sense of refined elegance. It's an ornamental gem that serves as a focal point in gardens or container plantings where the intricate details of its blooms and foliage can be fully appreciated.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Primulaceae
Synonyms
Bear's Ear, Auricula, Mountain Cowslip, Bear's-Ear Primrose
Common names
Primula auricula 'Fiddler's Green'
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Primula auricula 'Fiddler's Green' is Auricula. Auriculas are not commonly known to be toxic to humans. However, like many plants, they may cause mild irritation to the skin or stomach if handled or ingested due to the presence of skin-irritating compounds in the plant sap. If ingested, it might cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but significant toxicity in humans is unlikely.
To pets
Auricula is the common name for Primula auricula 'Fiddler's Green’. This plant is generally considered not highly toxic to pets. However, some primulas contain compounds that can mildly irritate the digestive tract if ingested. Symptoms of ingestion in pets may include drooling, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These symptoms are typically self-limiting and tend to resolve without severe consequences. If a pet consumes a large amount of the plant and shows signs of distress, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
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- Ornamental Value: Adds vibrant color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes with its attractive flowers.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners or those with limited time.
- Cold Tolerant: Able to withstand cooler temperatures, making it suitable for planting in a variety of climates.
- Attracts Pollinators: Draws in bees and butterflies, which are essential for the pollination of many plants.
- Compact Growth Habit: Well-suited for smaller gardens or containers due to its modest size.
- Long Blooming Period: Offers a prolonged display of flowers, typically from early spring to late spring.
- Versatile Use: Can be utilized in rock gardens, borders, containers, and as ground cover.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography subject: The unique and vibrant colors of Auricula 'Fiddler's Green' make it an attractive subject for macro and botanical photographers.
- Companion planting: Auricula can be used as a companion plant for early spring vegetables, attracting pollinators to the garden when few other flowers are in bloom.
- Floral arrangements: The flowers of Auricula can be included in small, delicate floral arrangements, particularly in teacup or miniature displays.
- Educational tool: Horticulture educators use Auricula to teach students about alpine plants and their specific growing requirements.
- Culinary decoration: Edible flowers of Auricula can be crystallized and used to decorate cakes and desserts, although their taste is generally not the primary reason for their use.
- Artist inspiration: The distinct appearance of Auricula flowers can serve as inspiration for artists, especially those who focus on botanical illustration.
- Crafting: Pressed Auricula flowers can be used in crafting, such as handmade greeting cards, bookmarks, or in resin jewellery.
- Cultural festivals: Auricula 'Fiddler's Green' can be displayed in traditional European flower shows and festivals, celebrating its heritage and uniqueness.
- Hobby cultivation: Auricula enthusiasts often engage in the hobby of breeding and cultivating these plants to create new variants with unique color combinations and patterns.
- Scented gardens: Although Auricula 'Fiddler's Green' is not primarily known for its fragrance, some enthusiasts appreciate its subtle scent and include it in fragrant garden compositions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Auricula is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Auricula is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Rarity: The 'Fiddler's Green' cultivar, being a specific variety of auricula, can symbolize rarity or uniqueness due to its particular characteristics that distinguish it from other primroses.
- Unwavering Love: Primroses in general are often associated with enduring love, and the 'Fiddler's Green' being a resilient cultivar, underscores this meaning with its hardy nature.
- Youthful Beauty: The primrose is symbolic of youth and beauty, and the 'Fiddler's Green', with its vibrant green hues, represents the freshness and invigoration of youth.
- Hope and Renewal: Blooming in early spring, the primrose signifies new beginnings, hope, and the renewal that comes with the changing seasons.
- Patience: As the auriculas, including 'Fiddler's Green', may take some time to establish and bloom, they can also symbolize patience and the rewards that come with time and diligence.
WaterBear's Ear should be watered regularly to maintain a consistently moist soil, especially during its growing season in spring and summer. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, which typically means watering once or twice a week, depending on the conditions. When you water, do so thoroughly until excess water drains from the bottom of the pot; for a potted plant, this may be approximately 16-24 ounces of water, while outdoor plants will require more, depending on size and environmental conditions. During dormancy in the winter, reduce watering frequency to prevent root rot.
LightBear's Ear thrives best in bright, indirect light or partial shade. It should be placed in a spot where it's protected from the harsh midday sun, which can scorch its leaves. An east or north-facing window or a shady spot in a southern garden is ideal for providing the right balance of light without direct exposure to the strong afternoon sun.
TemperatureBear's Ear prefers cooler temperatures and can generally tolerate a range between 40 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for promoting growth and flowering is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it's crucial to protect the plant from frost and freezing temperatures, which can be detrimental to its health.
PruningPruning Bear's Ear is primarily done to remove dead or dying leaves and spent flower stems to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's compact shape. Pruning is best performed immediately after the plant has finished flowering, typically in late spring or early summer. Pinch or cut off dead foliage and old flower stalks at their base; this should be done as needed throughout the growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPrimula auricula 'Fiddler's Green', commonly known as Auricula, thrives best in a well-draining soil mix comprising one third garden loam, one third grit or perlite, and one third leaf mold or well-rotted compost. The ideal soil pH for Auriculas should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from pH 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingAuriculas should typically be repotted every one to two years to replenish nutrients and prevent soil compaction. The best time to repot Auriculas is after flowering in late spring or early summer.
Humidity & MistingAuriculas prefer moderate humidity, avoiding both excessively dry air and excessive dampness. Aim for a relative humidity level around 50-60% for optimal growth conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Auriculas in bright, indirect light, away from drafts.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, sheltered from wind and intense sun.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Primula auricula 'Fiddler's Green', also known as Bear's Ear, begins with seed germination, which requires a period of moist, cool conditions to break dormancy. This is followed by the seedling stage, where the plant establishes its root system and first leaves. As it enters the vegetative growth stage, Bear's Ear develops a rosette of fleshy leaves and a stronger root system. The next stage is flowering, where the plant produces clusters of bright and ornamental flowers typically in spring. After pollination, it sets seed, completing the reproductive cycle. Finally, the plant enters a period of dormancy during colder months, only to resume activity in the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Primula auricula 'Fiddler's Green', commonly known as Auricula or Bear's Ear, is best propagated by division, which should ideally be done after the flowering period in late spring or early summer. To propagate by division, carefully lift the parent plant from the ground, making sure to keep plenty of soil around the roots. Gently tease the clumps apart, ensuring that each division has several healthy leaves and a portion of the root system. These divisions can then be immediately replanted into well-drained soil, watered gently, and given some time to establish. This method helps maintain the unique characteristics of 'Fiddler's Green', which might be lost if propagated from seed. Divisions should be spaced about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters) apart to allow ample room for growth.
