Bear's Ear Auricula Primula auricula 'Greenpeace' (Au/s)
ABOUT
The Primula auricula 'Greenpeace', commonly known as the Auricula, is a perennial plant that boasts a charming appearance with distinctive ornamental qualities. This variety shows off a stunning rosette of leaves that possess a luscious green hue. The foliage is known for its thick, rounded, and slightly fleshy texture, contributing to a lush, velvety backdrop for the plant's flowers. The flowers of the Auricula 'Greenpeace' are truly captivating, typically blooming in a vibrant array of colors that can include shades of red, yellow, pink, and purple, often with ornate patterns or unique color graduations that add to their visual appeal. These blossoms are typically formed in clusters on stout, upright stalks that rise gracefully above the foliar rosette. Each petal appears almost delicate and can sometimes exhibit a slightly dusted or powdered look, further enhancing the ornate quality of the flowers. The plant's overall aesthetic is one of old-world charm and can be quite eye-catching with its contrasting colors within the petals and the rich, deep green of the leaves. It's a popular choice among gardeners who prize it for both its beauty and the ability to provide a pop of color in garden borders, rock gardens, or as part of container displays.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Primulaceae
Synonyms
Bear's Ear Auricula, Mountain Cowslip, Bear's Ear Primrose
Common names
Primula auricula 'Greenpeace'
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Primula auricula 'Greenpeace' is Auricula. Auriculas are not typically considered highly toxic to humans. However, they can cause mild irritation if ingested or if their sap comes into contact with skin. Some people may be more sensitive than others, potentially experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea if ingested. It's advisable to handle plants with care and to keep them out of reach of children, who might inadvertently consume plant parts.
To pets
The common name for Primula auricula 'Greenpeace' is Auricula. Auriculas are generally not considered highly toxic to pets; however, they can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. While serious complications are rare, it is still prudent to prevent pets from eating plants, as individual animals can vary in their sensitivity to various plants. If you suspect your pet has ingested Auricula, it's wise 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, especially in spring when the flowers bloom.
- Compact Growth: Suitable for small gardens, borders, or as a container plant due to its small size.
- Attracts Wildlife: Flowers can attract butterflies and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal grooming and care once established, making it an easy choice for busy gardeners.
- Hardy Nature: Tolerant of cold temperatures, often surviving in challenging climates where other plants may not thrive.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Auricula 'Greenpeace' can be used in rock gardens for its unique foliage and flower forms that add texture and interest to the garden design.
- Cut flowers from Auricula 'Greenpeace' may be used in small floral arrangements or as a part of a corsage due to their unique coloration.
- As an edible flower, Auricula 'Greenpeace' petals can be used to decorate cakes and desserts for a splash of color and a touch of elegance.
- Auricula 'Greenpeace' can be used in photographic arts, serving as an appealing subject for macro and nature photography.
- Gardeners may cultivate Auricula 'Greenpeace' for competitive showing in horticultural contests, where unique varieties are highly prized.
- This plant can be used in educational settings, like schools or botanical gardens, to teach about plant hybridization and genetic diversity.
- The leaves of Auricula 'Greenpeace' may be used as a natural dye for fabrics, imparting subtle green hues to textiles.
- The plant can contribute to biodiversity in gardens by providing nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies when in bloom.
- Auricula 'Greenpeace' can be planted in memorial gardens where its perennial nature and serene coloring can serve as a symbol for peace and remembrance.
- This plant may be used as a parental species in breeding programs aiming to develop new hybrids with unique characteristics.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Auricula, or Bear's Ear, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Auricula is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Rarity: The Primula auricula 'Greenpeace', commonly known as Auricula, is a rare and unique variety, symbolizing uniqueness and rarity in the world of plants.
- Delicacy: The fine structure and the delicate appearance of the Auricula's blossoms represent fragility and the need for care and protection in both gardens and relationships.
- Preciousness: Its unique green flowers are a symbol of preciousness, akin to finding a gem in the plant kingdom, and reflect the value of rare natural beauty.
- Endurance: Auriculas are known for their ability to survive in cold temperatures and mountainous environments, representing endurance and the ability to thrive in adversity.
- Pride: Historically, Auriculas have been the subject of specialist collectors' societies, indicating pride and the human desire to achieve perfection in cultivation.
WaterThe Greenpeace Primrose should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to become slightly moist but never soggy, and then letting it dry out slightly between waterings. This usually means watering the plant once a week, but the frequency may increase to twice a week during hotter, drier periods or if it is in a warm, indoor environment. Over the course of a month, this equates to about 4-8 times, using approximately 1 gallon of water each month, depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions.
LightGreenpeace Primroses thrive in bright, indirect light away from direct afternoon sun, which can scorch their leaves. A spot with morning sunlight or dappled shade throughout the day is ideal. They can also grow under fluorescent light, making them suitable for offices or rooms with limited natural light.
TemperatureGreenpeace Primroses prefer cool to moderate temperature conditions, thriving best between 50-70°F. They can withstand short periods of temperatures as low as 40°F and as high as 80°F, but these extremes should be avoided to maintain plant health. The ideal temperature range is crucial for flower development and overall well-being of the plant.
PruningPrune your Greenpeace Primrose to remove dead or yellowing leaves and spent flowers, encouraging fresh growth and maintaining a neat appearance. This should be done as needed, typically after flowering, to promote a second bloom and improve air circulation. The best time for major pruning is late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Bear's Ear requires well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A good mix would be one part loam, one part leaf mold or peat, and one part grit or perlite for drainage.
RepottingBear's Ear should be repotted every 1 to 2 years, ideally in the spring, to refresh the soil and accommodate growth.
Humidity & MistingBear's Ear thrives best at moderate humidity levels, neither too dry nor overly humid; aim for about 40-60% relative humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Bear's Ear in bright, indirect light, and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Grow Bear's Ear in partial shade; shelter from harsh elements.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cyclePrimula auricula 'Greenpeace', commonly known as Bear's Ear, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in moist, well-draining soil, preferably in partial shade. The seedlings develop into rosettes of leaves, and as the plants mature, they form a more structured foliage base. In their second year, Bear's Ears produce tall flowering stems in spring that display the characteristic colorful and ornate blossoms. After pollination, often by insects, the flowers develop into seed capsules containing numerous small seeds. Once the seeds are dispersed, the parent plant enters a period of vegetative growth and will continue to bloom annually for several years. In the right conditions, Bear's Ear may also propagate vegetatively through offsets that form at the base of the parent plant.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
Propogation: The propagation of Primula auricula 'Greenpeace', commonly known as Auricula or Bear's Ear, is most commonly achieved through division, ideally performed in late summer or early fall after flowering has finished. To propagate by division, carefully lift the parent plant from the soil and use your hands or a sharp knife to gently separate the clumps into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has a portion of the root system attached. These divisions should then be replanted at the same soil depth they were previously growing at, spaced approximately 6 inches (about 15 centimeters) apart to allow for ample growth. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish the divisions and ensure that the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged as the new Bear's Ears become established in their location. With proper care, these divisions will grow into mature plants that exhibit the unique colorful flowers characteristic of Primula auricula 'Greenpeace'.
