Bear's Ear Auricula Primula auricula 'Lincoln Bullion' (Au/d)
ABOUT
The Primula auricula 'Lincoln Bullion' is a charming perennial plant known for its striking and delightful features. It stands out with rosettes of round, somewhat fleshy leaves that provide a lush, green backdrop for the showy flowers. The foliage bears a powdery, almost velvety coating which enhances their texture and adds to their overall visual appeal. The most captivating aspect of 'Lincoln Bullion' is its flowers, which bloom in a stunning shade of golden-yellow. These flowers are usually arranged in clusters atop a single, sturdy stem which emerges from the center of the leaf rosette. Each blossom has a distinct, bright and bold coloring that seems to glisten, resembling a piece of precious metal. The flowers are made up of several rounded petals arranged in a concentric pattern around a central eye, often a different color, lending an ornate and decorative look. This central eye adds contrast and depth, drawing attention to the intricate structure of the bloom. 'Lincoln Bullion' has a neat and compact growth habit, contributing to its popularity in gardens where it adds a splash of radiant color. The allure of the flowers is further enhanced during their peak blooming period, when the plant becomes a showcase of vibrant color. This variety is often grown in borders, rock gardens, or as part of container plantings, where its unique coloration can be admired up close. The intense hue of the flowers is even more striking when set against its evergreen foliage, making 'Lincoln Bullion' a prized specimen for garden enthusiasts seeking to create visually stimulating plant compositions.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Primulaceae.
Synonyms
Bear's Ear Auricula, Mountain Cowslip, Auricula, Bear's Ear.
Common names
Primula auricula 'Lincoln Bullion'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Auricula is not known to be highly toxic to humans. If ingested in large quantities, it may cause mild stomach upset or dermatitis due to skin contact with its sap. These symptoms are typically not severe, but it is always advisable to avoid ingesting parts of ornamental plants due to potential unknown reactions or sensitivity.
To pets
Auricula is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. However, as with humans, consumption of significant amounts of the plant may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea in some animals. If your pet consumes a large amount of the plant and exhibits symptoms, it is best 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
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Primula auricula 'Lincoln Bullion' is prized for its stunning gold-laced flowers that add vibrant color and beauty to gardens and containers.
- Ease of Care: It is generally easy to grow and maintain, which makes it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers can attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, thereby helping with pollination of surrounding plants.
- Extended Blooming Period: Primula auricula 'Lincoln Bullion' typically has a long flowering period that can last from early spring into late spring, providing a lengthy display of color.
- Compact Size: Its small size makes it ideal for rock gardens, alpine gardens, or as part of a border in a cottage garden, without taking up too much space.
- Versatile Planting Options: Can be grown in garden beds, borders, pots, or as part of a green roof planting scheme.
- Cold Tolerance: It is hardy and can tolerate colder temperatures, which makes it suitable for cultivation in cooler climates.
- Hybrid Vigor: As a cultivated variety, 'Lincoln Bullion' often exhibits robust growth and vitality.
- Seasonal Interest: Its unique appearance provides interest in the garden during the early-to-mid spring season when many other plants are not yet in bloom.
- Cultural Significance: Auriculas have a long history of cultivation and are often featured in traditional auricula theatres, which can add a historical element to a garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Auricula Theatre Display: Auricula 'Lincoln Bullion', due to its striking flowers, is often displayed in a traditional Auricula Theatre, which is a special stepped stand designed to showcase these plants' unique beauty.
- Photography Subject: The distinctive appearance of Auricula 'Lincoln Bullion', with its gold-centered blooms, makes it a popular subject for garden photographers and botanical artists.
- Educational Tool: Botany teachers and educators may use Auricula 'Lincoln Bullion' to illustrate plant anatomy, flower structure, and hybridization techniques in classes or workshops.
- Horticultural Competitions: This cultivar is sometimes entered into horticultural shows and competitions due to its vivid coloring and form.
- Traditional Corsages: In some traditions, Auricula flowers are used to create corsages for special occasions, thanks to their compact size and ornamental appeal.
- Plant Collecting: 'Lincoln Bullion' is sought after by plant collectors specializing in Primula species, due to its rarity and unique coloration.
- Boutonnieres: The small, sturdy flowers of Auricula 'Lincoln Bullion' can be used for boutonnieres in weddings or similar formal events.
- Perfume Inspiration: While not commonly used for this purpose, the unique fragrance of the Auricula 'Lincoln Bullion' may inspire scent creation in artisanal perfumery.
- Garden Design: These plants are used to add visual interest in Alpine rock gardens or as part of a color-themed garden design due to their vibrant yellow flowers.
- Symbolism: Sometimes the Auricula 'Lincoln Bullion' can symbolize rarity and uniqueness in art or literature, as it is a relatively uncommon garden variety.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Auricula is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Auricula is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Preciousness: The Primula auricula 'Lincoln Bullion' carries a Latin name that involves "auricula," which is derived from "aurum," meaning gold. The variety 'Lincoln Bullion' specifically alludes to wealth and value, similar to bullion or gold bars. Therefore, it represents what is precious and valued.
- Uniqueness: Due to its specific breeding and the unique coloring of the 'Lincoln Bullion' variety, this primrose symbolizes uniqueness and individuality.
- Admiration: As a flower with intricate patterns and a beautiful display, it often represents admiration for something that is intricately crafted or especially admired.
- Endurance: The primrose, as an early spring bloomer often pushing through late snows or cold snaps, symbolizes endurance and the ability to overcome adversity.
- New Beginnings: Symbolizing the arrival of spring, primroses are associated with new beginnings, renewal, and the fresh start that the season represents.
WaterAuriculas, including Primula auricula 'Lincoln Bullion', prefer to be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water these plants using a gentle stream to avoid disrupting the delicate foliage and flowers, ideally at the base rather than overhead to prevent fungal diseases. During active growth in spring and autumn, water them once or twice a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. In the hot summer months, they may require more frequent watering, possibly every two to three days if the weather is particularly dry or hot. Typically, using about a pint of water per plant each time should suffice, but always adjust for your climate conditions and the plant’s response.
LightAuriculas like Primula auricula 'Lincoln Bullion' thrive best in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight, especially during the hot summer months, can scorch their leaves. A north-facing windowsill or a spot that receives filtered sunlight through a sheer curtain is ideal. They can also benefit from some gentle morning sun, but should be protected from the intense afternoon rays.
TemperatureAuriculas such as Primula auricula 'Lincoln Bullion' prefer cooler temperatures and can thrive in a range of 50°F to 75°F. They can tolerate temperatures down to about 20°F but should be protected from frost. The ideal temperature for promoting good flower growth and vibrant colors in auriculas is between 60°F and 70°F. Anything above 80°F may cause the plant to go dormant.
PruningPruning auriculas like Primula auricula 'Lincoln Bullion' involves deadheading spent flowers to encourage further blooming and removing any dead or dying leaves to maintain plant health. This should be done as needed throughout the blooming period. The best time to prune is immediately after flowering, which will also help in maintaining the plant’s compact shape and encourage more prolific blooms in the following season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAuricula 'Lincoln Bullion' thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with added humus, such as peat or leaf mold. A balanced soil mix might include one part loam, one part peat, and one part perlite to ensure proper drainage. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0, to best support plant growth.
RepottingAuriculas like 'Lincoln Bullion' should be repotted every year to refresh the soil and provide room for growth. The best time for repotting is after they finish blooming, usually in the late spring or early summer.
Humidity & MistingAuricula 'Lincoln Bullion' prefers moderate humidity levels, typically ranging between 50-60%. Avoid overly humid conditions as they can lead to fungal issues, but ensure the air isn't too dry, especially when grown indoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with cool temps.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, protect from harsh sun.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Primula auricula 'Lincoln Bullion', commonly known as Auricula 'Lincoln Bullion', begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in well-draining, moist soil during late winter to spring. Seedlings emerge and grow into rosettes, which go through a vegetative stage where they develop a rich foliage of rounded leaves. After the first or second year, depending on growing conditions, the plant reaches maturity and produces tall stems adorned with clusters of bright, yellow-gold flowers, typically blooming in spring. Following pollination, often facilitated by insects, the flowers eventually give way to seed pods that mature by late summer. These seeds can be collected and sown to propagate new plants or allowed to self-sow if conditions are favorable. After blooming, the plant may enter a period of dormancy, particularly in colder climates, where it conserves energy for the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Primula auricula 'Lincoln Bullion', commonly referred to as Auricula Primrose, is frequently propagated through division, which is best performed in late summer or early autumn after flowering has finished. This method involves gently separating the plant clumps into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a piece of the root system attached. The divisions should then be replanted immediately at the same soil depth they were growing at originally, spaced approximately 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 centimeters) apart to allow enough room for growth. Regular watering is necessary to establish the new plants, but care should be taken to avoid waterlogged conditions which could cause rot. This technique allows gardeners to efficiently produce new plants that are genetically identical to the parent, ensuring the preservation of the 'Lincoln Bullion' specific attributes.
