Auricula Primula auricula 'Pippin' (Au/a)

👤 Non-toxic to humans
🐾 Toxic to pets
🌸 Blooming
🍪 Not edible
‍🌱 Hard-care
auricula 'Pippin'

ABOUT

Primula auricula 'Pippin', commonly known as Auricula or Bear's Ear, is an ornamental plant renowned for its unique and captivating appearance. It boasts a rosette of smooth, fleshy leaves that possess a rich green hue, offering a textural backdrop to its stunning flowers. The blooms of the Auricula 'Pippin' are particularly noteworthy: they typically display a striking contrast of colors, with petals that can range from deep, velvety purples to bright, cheerful yellows. The center of each flower often features a prominent, eye-catching zone called the "paste," which has a creamy or white appearance and provides a dramatic focal point. This zone is surrounded by concentric rings of color that may be boldly defined or softly blended, contributing to the flower's distinctive look. The petals themselves may be intricately edged with contrasting hues, adding a touch of elegance and complexity to the overall appearance. Auricula flowers are known for their uniformity and symmetry, forming clusters that rise just above the foliage to entice onlookers with their charming display. Their ornate nature makes them a favorite among garden enthusiasts who appreciate the rich palette of colors and patterns that these delightful plants bring to gardens and containers. The captivating aesthetic of the Auricula 'Pippin' makes it a sought-after variety for collectors and a showpiece in any setting where its beauty can be admired up close.

Plant Info
Care
Common Problems

About this plant

  • memoNames

    • Family

      Primulaceae

    • Synonyms

      Auricula, Bear's Ear

    • Common names

      Primula auricula 'Pippin'.

  • skullToxicity

    • To humans

      Auricula, as a species, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no widespread documentation of auricula causing severe poisoning when ingested. However, like many plants, it may cause mild discomfort or an allergic reaction in some individuals. This can include symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea if ingested in large quantities, and skin irritation if there is prolonged contact. Always exercise caution and avoid ingesting plants that are not typically used for food.

    • To pets

      Auricula is not commonly listed as toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. However, individual animals may have sensitivities or allergic reactions to plants that are not typically considered poisonous. In general, pets may experience mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, if they ingest parts of the plant. It is always best to prevent your pets from eating ornamental plants and to consult a veterinarian if you suspect your pet is unwell after consuming any plant material.

  • infoCharacteristics

    • Life 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

  • money-bagGeneral Benefits

    • Ornamental Appeal: 'Pippin' boasts attractive, uniquely colored flowers that add visual interest to gardens.
    • Compact Growth: Its small size makes it suitable for rock gardens, containers, and borders without taking up too much space.
    • Spring Bloomer: Offers early-season blooms which can enliven a garden after the winter months.
    • Cold Tolerant: As a hardy perennial, it can survive in cooler climates and return each year.
    • Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond basic watering and occasional feeding, making it a good choice for novice gardeners.
    • Bee Friendly: The flowers attract pollinators, which is beneficial for the garden ecosystem.

  • medicalMedical Properties

    This plant is not used for medical purposes.

  • windAir-purifying Qualities

    This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

  • leavesOther Uses

    • Auricula 'Pippin' can be used as a natural fabric dye, giving a soft, yellow to greenish hue depending on the mordant used.
    • With its unique pattern and coloration, the leaves and flowers can be pressed and included in art projects or botanical prints.
    • The petals of Pippin can be crystallized and used as edible decorations for cakes and desserts.
    • It is sometimes utilized in potpourri mixes for a visual touch, although it does not have a strong scent.
    • Gardeners may use Auricula plants in companion planting to attract beneficial insects that help pollinate other plants.
    • Due to their compact growth, Auriculas can be planted in green roof projects to add biodiversity and visual appeal.
    • The flowers can be used to make a natural, gentle ink for art or calligraphy, by crushing the petals and mixing with a binding agent.
    • They are often used in floral arrangements for "green" weddings or eco-conscious events due to their minimal environmental impact.
    • The leaves can serve as subtle green accents in miniature gardens or fairy garden setups.
    • Auricula 'Pippin' plants can be used as an educational tool for botany and horticulture classes focusing on Alpine flora.

Interesting Facts

  • bedFeng Shui

    Auricula is not used in Feng Shui practice.

  • aquariusZodiac Sign Compitability

    Auricula is not used in astrology practice.

  • spiralPlant Symbolism

    • Unique Beauty: Primula auricula, commonly known as Auricula, is known for its unique beauty due to the diverse color patterns and shapes of its flowers, symbolizing the appreciation of distinctive aesthetics.
    • Patience: As Auricula blooms in early spring, it represents patience and the ability to endure waiting, as gardeners anticipate its arrival after a long winter.
    • Perseverance: Auriculas are hardy plants that can thrive in alpine conditions, symbolizing strength and the will to overcome challenging environments.
    • Courage: The plant's ability to grow in difficult mountainous areas can represent courage to face adversity.
    • Daintiness: The delicate appearance of Auricula flowers suggests daintiness and a gentle nature.

💧
Every 7-10 days
Water
☀️
2500 - 10000 Lux
Light
💦️
5%
Humidity
🪴
Every year
Repotting
🌱️
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation
✂️️
As needed
Pruning
  • water dropWater

    Auricula 'Pippin' prefers consistent moisture, but it's essential to avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, which may be once a week, depending on environmental conditions. Provide enough water to moisten the soil around the roots without leaving the soil waterlogged. In general, this may mean using about a pint of water for a small pot or up to 1-2 gallons for a larger outdoor specimen, every week during the active growing season. Reduce watering frequency during the dormant winter months, ensuring the soil doesn't dry out completely.

  • sunLight

    Auriculas like 'Pippin' do best in bright, indirect sunlight. A north-facing window or a spot with morning light and afternoon shade is ideal to protect it from the harsh midday sun. Avoid intense direct sunlight in summer, which can scorch the leaves and compromise the plant's health.

  • thermometerTemperature

    Auricula 'Pippin' thrives in cooler temperatures and can tolerate a range between 40 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with 60 to 65 degrees being ideal. The plant can survive light frosts, but temperatures consistently below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or above 80 degrees Fahrenheit may compromise its health and blooming capacity.

  • scissorsPruning

    Pruning Auricula 'Pippin' promotes a tidy appearance and encourages blooming. Deadhead the spent flowers regularly to stimulate new growth and remove any dead or yellowing leaves. The best time for pruning is right after flowering, typically in late spring or early summer. This plant does not require heavy pruning; just tidy up as needed throughout the season.

  • broomCleaning

    As needed

  • bambooSoil

    Auricula Primrose, commonly known as Auricula, thrives in a well-draining, peat-based potting mix with a pH of about 6.0 to 7.0. A soil recipe for Auricula could include one part perlite, one part fine bark and two parts peat or coir to retain moisture while allowing excess water to drain.

  • plantRepotting

    Auriculas should be repotted every year or two to refresh the soil and accommodate growth. The best time to repot is after flowering, usually in late spring or early summer, before new growth begins.

  • water dropsHumidity & Misting

    Auriculas prefer moderate humidity levels around 50-60%. They enjoy fresh air circulation but should be protected from excessive wet conditions to prevent crown rot.

  • pinSuitable locations

    • Indoor

      Provide bright light, cool temps, and moderate water for indoor Auriculas.

    • Outdoor

      Place in dappled sunlight, shelter from heavy rain, and provide well-draining soil.

    • Hardiness zone

      4-8 USDA

  • circleLife cycle

    The Primula auricula 'Pippin', commonly known as Auricula Pippin, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in moist, well-drained soil, preferably in a cool, partially shaded location. Upon sprouting, it develops into a rosette of basal leaves and over several weeks to months, it establishes a strong root system. As it matures during its first or second growing season, it produces tall stalks bearing clusters of colorful, ornate flowers that are typically yellow with a distinct, contrasting center, blooming in early spring to late spring. After pollination by insects, the flowers give way to seed capsules, which when mature, release seeds to propagate the next generation. Throughout the summer, the foliage may die back, especially if conditions become too hot, but with proper care, it can persist and even remain evergreen in milder climates. With each subsequent year, the plant can become more robust and produce more flowering stalks, completing its perennial cycle.

  • sproutPropogation

    • Propogation time

      Spring-Early Summer

    • Propogation: For Primula auricula 'Pippin', commonly known as Auricula Primrose, the most popular method of propagation is by division. This should ideally be undertaken in late summer after the blooming period has ended. Division helps to rejuvenate older plants and create new ones that will bloom with vigor in the following season. To propagate by division, carefully lift the parent plant from the soil and gently separate the clumps into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has a piece of the root system intact. These sections can then be replanted in a mix of well-draining soil and kept moist until they establish themselves. It's important to provide the divisions with some shade initially to reduce the stress of transplanting. Within a few weeks, the new Auricula Primrose plants should begin to establish and show signs of growth, ready to flourish in the next blooming cycle.