Auricula Primula auricula 'Rebecca Baker' (Au/d)
ABOUT
The plant known commonly as Auricula 'Rebecca Baker' is a charming perennial prized for its colorful and ornate flowers. This variety, characterized by its unique blossoms, typically bears rounded petals arranged in dense clusters. Each petal showcases a velvety texture and presents a vivid hue that may vary from deep purples and blues to bright yellows, often with contrasting center markings or edges that can appear as a different shade or a striking white or yellow. The plant's foliage forms an attractive rosette at the base, with leaves that are generally fleshy and may have a somewhat dusty or powdery appearance. These leaves are often a bright green, which contrasts nicely with the bold floral colors. The blooms are borne on sturdy stalks that rise elegantly above the leafy base, creating a delightful display that draws the eye upward. Auricula 'Rebecca Baker' is also noted for its symmetrical form and the way in which the flowers are displayed in tiered whorls, creating a circular pattern that enhances the visual appeal of the cluster. Its overall appearance embodies a delicate charm and makes it a popular choice for collectors and garden enthusiasts who appreciate its ornamental qualities.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Primulaceae.
Synonyms
Bear's Ear Auricula, Mountain Cowslip, Bear's Ear Primrose.
Common names
Primula auricula 'Rebecca Baker'.
ToxicityTo humans
Auricula is not considered a highly toxic plant to humans. However, some people may experience contact dermatitis or mild skin irritation when handling the plant due to the presence of primin, a compound found in the plant's foliage. This is more of an allergic reaction than outright poisoning. If ingested, the plant may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but severe poisoning is rare. It is always advisable to avoid eating any part of ornamental plants as a general safety guideline.
To pets
Auricula is also not known to be highly toxic to pets. If a pet ingests a significant amount of the plant, it might experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort including vomiting and diarrhea. Similar to humans, irritation can occur if your pet has sensitive skin and comes into contact with the plant, potentially causing dermatitis. It is advisable to discourage your pets from chewing on or ingesting any part of ornamental plants due to the potential for an unexpected toxic reaction.
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- Easy to Grow: Primula auricula 'Rebecca Baker' is known for being relatively easy to care for, making it a good choice for beginner gardeners.
- Compact Size: With its small and compact growth habit, it is well-suited to rock gardens, border fronts, and small garden spaces.
- Attracts Pollinators: Blooms can attract butterflies and bees, supporting local ecosystems.
- Spring Blooms: This primrose offers early spring flowers, often adding one of the first splashes of color to the garden after winter.
- Variety of Colors: The flowers can come in a range of colors, providing options to match various garden color schemes.
- Long Blooming Period: Primula auricula typically has a long flowering period, providing extended visual interest.
- Cold Tolerant: It is hardy and can endure cooler temperatures, making it suitable for gardens in cooler climates.
- Evergreen Foliage: Depending on the climate, it can retain its leaves throughout the year, ensuring that gardens have a touch of green even in off-seasons.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and deadheading, which is appealing for those looking for low-maintenance gardening.
- Container Gardening: Well-suited for growing in pots and containers, providing flexibility in garden design and space utilization.
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: Historically, auriculas like Primula auricula 'Rebecca Baker' were displayed in unique shelved cabinets called auricula theatres, which became a popular feature in English gardens during the 18th century.
- Potpourri Ingredient: The dried flowers of the Primula auricula can be used in potpourri to add a subtle fragrance and a touch of color to the mixture.
- Photography Subject: Due to its unique and vibrant colors, Primula auricula 'Rebecca Baker' is a popular subject among photographers, particularly those specializing in plant and nature photography.
- Floral Arrangements: Although not commonly used in floral arrangements, the striking appearance of Primula auricula 'Rebecca Baker' can add an exotic touch to bespoke flower arrangements.
- Educational Use: This plant can be used to educate students and gardening enthusiasts about alpine plant varieties and their cultivation requirements.
- Craft Projects: Pressed auricula flowers can be incorporated into craft projects, such as handmade greeting cards or bookmarks, adding a natural element to the design.
- Color Dye: Historically, some species of Primula have been used to extract dyes for textiles; however, this is not a common practice today.
- Competition Plant: Auricula enthusiasts may grow and nurture Primula auricula 'Rebecca Baker' for display in horticultural competitions, particularly those focused on alpine plants.
- Garden Design: These plants can be used to create a 'living picture' when planted en masse in garden designs, especially in rock gardens and alpine settings.
- Culinary Garnish: Edible flowers from the Primula family, like the 'Rebecca Baker,' sometimes find their way into culinary uses as decorative garnishes for salads and desserts.
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 and Uniqueness: The Primula auricula, commonly known as Auricula, can symbolize rarity and uniqueness, as it is a unique and distinctive variety often prized by collectors for its stunning colors and patterns.
- Courage and Daring: Auriculas have been known to grow in mountainous regions, which can give them the symbolic meaning of courage and daring, representing the ability to thrive in challenging conditions.
- Perseverance and Hope: Blooming early in spring, Auriculas can represent perseverance and hope, as they are among the first flowers to emerge after the winter, often pushing through the last of the snow.
WaterFor the Bear's Ear (Primula auricula 'Rebecca Baker'), water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, roughly once per week. Depending on the size of the pot and the environmental conditions, this typically means providing up to 16 ounces of water for a standard 6-inch pot. Ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent waterlogging. During the active growth period in spring and summer, the plant may require more frequent watering, especially if it’s situated in a warmer environment. In the winter, reduce watering to every other week as the plant goes into a dormant phase.
LightThe Bear's Ear (Primula auricula 'Rebecca Baker') thrives best in bright, indirect sunlight. A location that offers morning sun with afternoon shade or a spot near a north-facing window is ideal. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight, especially during the hot summer months, as it can scorch the leaves and compromise the plant's health.
TemperatureBear's Ear prefers cool to moderate temperatures, with ideal conditions ranging between 50°F and 70°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to 40°F and maximum temperatures up to 80°F, but prolonged exposure to temperatures outside of the ideal range could be harmful to the plant. Ensure it is protected from extreme heat and cold drafts.
PruningPrune the Bear's Ear (Primula auricula 'Rebecca Baker') to remove dead or fading flowers and to encourage further blooming. This process, commonly known as deadheading, can be done throughout the blooming season. Trimming back the foliage after blooming finishes in late spring helps maintain a compact growth habit and promotes healthy growth for the next season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAuricula needs free-draining soil with good organic matter, a mix of loam, peat, and perlite is ideal. Maintain a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0-7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingAuriculas should be repotted annually to replenish nutrients, preferably in late summer after flowering or in early fall.
Humidity & MistingAuriculas prefer moderate humidity levels, around 50-60% is ideal for their growth and flowering.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Auricula in bright indirect light, keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, shelter from harsh sun and wind.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA.
Life cyclePrimula auricula 'Rebecca Baker', commonly known as Auricula or Bear's Ear, starts its life cycle as a seed which, when sown in a well-draining soil mix and maintained in cool conditions, germinates to produce a small rosette of leaves. This herbaceous perennial then progresses to a vegetative stage, where it grows and matures into a larger rosette, typically developing its distinct foliage that is often covered in a fine, flour-like powder called farina. In early spring, Auricula 'Rebecca Baker' enters its flowering stage, where it sends up tall stalks topped with clusters of ornate, vividly colored flowers that can range from rich purples to pale yellows, depending on the cultivar. After pollination, typically by insects, the flowers give way to seed pods that mature and eventually split open to release the seeds for propagation. During the later part of the growing season, the plant enters a phase of dormancy, especially in colder climates, where it may die back to the crown, conserving energy to survive through the winter. With the return of favorable conditions in the next growing season, the Auricula emerges from dormancy, resuming growth and completing its life cycle annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Primula auricula 'Rebecca Baker', more commonly referred to as Auricula Primrose, is best propagated through division, typically carried out in late summer after the plant has finished flowering. The most popular method involves gently lifting the parent plant from the soil and carefully separating the offsets, which are small sections of the plant with their own roots, from the main clump. Each offset should have a few leaves and roots attached. It is important to use a sharp knife or spade to ensure clean cuts without damaging the plants. After separating, the offsets are replanted into pots filled with a mix of potting compost and grit to aid drainage, and then watered lightly. This process allows for a fast and efficient way to create new plants that are genetic replicas of the parent.
