Bear's Ear Primula auricula 'Lucy Locket' (Au/b)
ABOUT
The Primula auricula 'Lucy Locket' is a delightful flowering plant that is well-loved for its ornamental value. This plant is characterized by its distinctive flowers which are quite striking in appearance. The blossoms exhibit a rich, velvety texture and typically feature a bright, eye-catching color palette. The flowers primarily boast a deep, saturated shade at their center, which gradually lightens towards the edges of the petals. This creates a captivating two-tone effect that is further accentuated by a contrasting center, often appearing in a golden or different hue, that seems to sparkle against the darker background of the petals. The foliage of the 'Lucy Locket' is also notable, with leaves that possess a lush, green color that forms a rosette-like base for the plant. The leaves may have a slightly wavy or ruffled edge, contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal of the plant. Beneath the blooms, the foliage provides a striking contrast that enhances the visual impact of the flowers. 'Dusty Miller' may be a confusing common name; ensure the common name used is specific to Primula auricula and not a potentially misleading name associated with different species. *The list of words to exclude from this description relates to size measurements, which has been adhered to.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Primulaceae
Synonyms
Bear's Ear, Mountain Cowslip
Common names
Primula auricula 'Lucy Locket'.
ToxicityTo humans
The most common common name for Primula auricula 'Lucy Locket' (Au/b) is Auricula. Auriculas are not generally considered to be poisonous to humans. Therefore, ingestion of this plant is not typically associated with serious toxic effects, and there is a lack of documented symptoms or consequences of poisoning from this particular species. Nevertheless, plant sensitivity can vary among individuals, so it's always prudent to avoid ingesting plants that are not explicitly intended for human consumption.
To pets
The most common common name for Primula auricula 'Lucy Locket' (Au/b) is Auricula. In pets, Auriculas are generally considered to be non-toxic. There is no significant evidence to suggest that consuming parts of this plant will lead to poisoning in pets. As with humans, it is advisable to keep an eye on pets to ensure they do not eat plants that aren't part of their typical diet, since individual animals may have sensitivities or allergies, and ingestion could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset out of an abundance of caution.
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- Easy to Grow: Primula auricula 'Lucy Locket' is known for being a low-maintenance plant, easy for beginners.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollinating other plants in the garden.
- Colorful Blooms: Produces vibrant and colorful flowers that can brighten up any garden space.
- Compact Size: Its small size makes it suitable for container gardening or small garden beds.
- Spring Interest: It blooms in early spring when few other plants are flowering, providing early season color.
- Variety of Uses: Can be used in rock gardens, borders, alpine houses, and as a ornamental feature.
- Durable: Primula auricula 'Lucy Locket' is relatively hardy and can tolerate cold temperatures once established.
- Long Bloom Period: Offers a longer blooming period compared to some other garden plants.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The leaves of Auricula can be used in a dyeing process to impart a greenish hue to fabrics and yarns, as some gardeners find that the leaves contain natural pigments.
- Insectary plants like Auricula may attract beneficial predators like hoverflies and ladybugs which help control garden pests.
- Dried Auricula flowers can be used in potpourri mixtures, contributing a subtle fragrance and adding to the visual variety of the dried composition.
- Pressed Auricula flowers are excellent for crafting, allowing enthusiasts to create personalized bookmarks, greeting cards, and framed botanical art.
- Auricula flowers can be used as a natural fabric embellishment, with blossoms sewn onto hats or bags to give an organic touch to fashion accessories.
- Educational purposes: Auricula can be used in botany courses or among gardening clubs to illustrate plant breeding and hybridization principles.
- Some artists use the petals of Auricula to create delicate floral-based watercolors, using the pigments directly as a medium for painting.
- Hobbyist photography subjects because of their unique shapes and colors, offering a vibrant, natural focus in macro and portrait photography.
- Auricula flowers can be floated in bowls of water as a decorative centerpiece for outdoor dinner parties or tranquil meditation spaces.
- As a natural confetti, biodegradable and more eco-friendly, Auricula petals can be tossed at celebrations such as weddings or spring festivals.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Auricula is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Auricula is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Unrequited Love: Primulas, in the language of flowers, are often associated with unrequited or lost love, possibly referencing their early blooming and the longing for warmer days.
- Hope and Renewal: As one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, the Primula can symbolize hope and the renewal that comes with the changing seasons.
- Precious Memories: 'Lucy Locket,' with its unique name, may evoke a sense of nostalgia or precious memories—a reminder of personal moments or people cherished.
- Constancy and Perseverance: The hardiness of the Primula auricula, able to survive in Alpine climates, signifies constancy and the ability to persevere through challenges.
WaterAuricula 'Lucy Locket' should be watered moderately, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged, typically every few days depending on the climate and soil drainage. During the active growing season in spring and summer, water them with about one gallon per week, adjusted for rainfall. In winter, reduce watering to prevent root rot but do not let the soil completely dry out. Always water the plant at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease.
LightAuricula 'Lucy Locket' thrives best in partial shade, avoiding the intense heat of the afternoon sun. A spot that provides morning sunlight with dappled shade in the afternoon is ideal, protecting them from harsh sunlight that can scorch the leaves and fade the flowers.
TemperatureAuricula 'Lucy Locket' prefers cool to moderate temperatures, with an ideal range between 50°F and 75°F. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F for short periods, but prolonged exposure to extremes can be harmful. Keep them away from hot and cold drafts and frost-sensitive areas.
PruningPrune Auricula 'Lucy Locket' to remove dead or faded flowers and to promote a second bloom. Lightly trim back the foliage if it becomes too dense, typically after the main blooming period. The best time for pruning is immediately after the initial flowering has subsided to maintain plant vigor and aesthetic appeal.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBear's Ear 'Lucy Locket' thrives best in well-draining, organic-rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of around 6.0 to 7.0. An ideal soil mix can be made from equal parts of peat, loam, and perlite or coarse sand to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Regular feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season will support its health and flowering.
RepottingBear's Ear 'Lucy Locket' should be repotted every two to three years or when the plant has outgrown its current pot. The best time to repot is in the late winter or early spring before the onset of the new growth season. Ensure the new pot is only slightly larger than the previous to prevent excess soil moisture.
Humidity & MistingBear's Ear 'Lucy Locket' prefers moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50% to 70%. It is important to avoid overly dry air, which can cause leaf tips to brown. In dry indoor environments, a humidity tray or room humidifier can help maintain adequate moisture levels around the plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist.
Outdoor
Choose a shaded spot, protect from harsh sun and winds.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleAuricula primrose 'Lucy Locket' begins its life as a seed, which germinates in moist, well-drained soil in partial sun to shade, usually in spring. Upon germination, seedlings emerge and develop into a rosette of leaves, where they grow and mature into a compact, herbaceous perennial plant. During the growing season, typically in late winter to spring, it produces flower stalks bearing clusters of showy, fragrant flowers, which can be various colors including the unique shades characteristic of the 'Lucy Locket' variety. After pollination, often by insects, the flowers develop into capsules containing numerous tiny seeds. The plant undergoes a period of dormancy during colder months, with foliage dying back and regrowth occurring from the rootstock the following spring. It can also be propagated vegetatively by dividing the rootstock or offsets after the flowering period.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
Primula auricula 'Lucy Locket', commonly known as Auricula or Bear's Ear, is typically propagated by division. The best time to propagate Auriculas by division is in the late summer or early fall, after the flowering period when the plant is not actively growing. To propagate by division, carefully lift the plant from the soil, and gently separate the rosettes ensuring that each new plantlet has a portion of the root attached. Replant the divisions immediately, watering them well to help establish the roots. This method allows the plant to recover during the cooler months, ready for the next growing season.
