Auricula Primula auricula 'Sirius' (Au/a)

Water

Auricula, commonly known as Bear's Ear, should be watered thoroughly, allowing the water to reach deep into the root system without leaving the plant sitting in water. Generally, Bear's Ear should be watered once a week, but this frequency may need to be adjusted depending on the climate and season; during hot, dry periods, you may need to water it more often. Provide about 8-16 ounces of water for smaller pots or up to 1-2 gallons for larger pots, each time you water, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. It's best to check the soil moisture level before watering; the top inch should be dry to the touch.

Light

Bear's Ear thrives in bright, indirect light, and should be placed in a location where it receives this type of light for most of the day. A north-facing or east-facing window can be the ideal spot, as it will receive the morning sunlight but be protected from the harsh midday and afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves.

Temperature

Bear's Ear prefers cooler temperatures, with an ideal range between 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Although it can survive temperatures down to 30 degrees Fahrenheit for brief periods, prolonged exposure to cold beyond this point can damage the plant. Similarly, temperatures exceeding 80 degrees Fahrenheit can stress the plant, so it's best to keep it in conditions that avoid temperature extremes.

Pruning

Pruning Bear's Ear is important for removing dead or yellowing leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance. Light pruning can be done throughout the growing season as needed, while more thorough trimming is best performed in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cutting back the foliage after flowering also helps to stimulate a second bloom.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Auricula Primrose, commonly known as Auricula, flourishes best in sharply draining soil with a slight bias towards alkalinity, with a pH around 6.0 to 7.5. A suitable soil mix consists of one part loam, one part peat-free compost, and one part perlite or grit to ensure good drainage and aeration.

Repotting

Auricula Primrose should be repotted every one to two years. This helps to refresh the soil and maintain nutrient levels, ensuring the plant remains healthy. However, they can be left undisturbed if they are thriving and flowering well.

Humidity & Misting

Auricula Primrose prefers moderate humidity and does not tolerate overly damp environments, which can lead to fungal diseases. Aim for a humidity level around 50-60% for optimal growth conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Keep Auricula in bright, indirect light with good ventilation.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, shelter from harsh elements.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

Primula auricula 'Sirius', commonly known as Auricula, begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown in fertile, well-draining soil and provided with appropriate light and moisture, will germinate and grow into a seedling. The seedling stage involves the development of a basic root system and the first true leaves. As it matures, the plant enters a vegetative growth phase, establishing a more robust root system, and producing a rosette of thicker, fleshier leaves typical of Auriculas. The plant will then enter the flowering stage, producing striking, often brightly colored and patterned flowers that can attract pollinators, leading to potential cross-pollination. After pollination, Auricula will set seed, completing the life cycle as these seeds can be collected for propagation or will fall to the ground to potentially germinate anew. In well-maintained conditions, Auriculas can be perennial, continuing their life cycle for several years by undergoing seasonal dormancy and regrowth.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Primula auricula 'Sirius', commonly known as auricula or bear's ear, is a plant that is often propagated by division. The best time to carry out this method is in late summer, after the flowering period has concluded, when the plant is not actively growing. Division involves gently separating the plant into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the root system as well as several leaves or growth points. This can be easily done by removing the plant from its pot or location in the garden and carefully breaking apart the clumps with your hands or by using a knife for tougher roots. The new divisions should then be planted in a mix of compost and grit to ensure good drainage, at a depth where the crown of the plant is just above the soil surface, and they should be watered in well. After potting, the divisions should be kept shaded and moist until they establish and resume growth.