Auriculas are old and familiar plants in Europe. In America, however, they have not been widely grown until very recently. When I first became interested in growing auriculas, nearly 30 years ago, it is doubtful if many, or indeed any, could be found in gardens in southern Maine.
Now, they are grown and admired here and throughout the eastern states, while the northwest and Canada can claim many expert growers.
With a background of nearly four centuries of cultivation, the development of the auricula (known botanically as Primula auricula) in recorded history is impressive. The first hybrids were said to have been descendants of the alpine primrose (P. auricula Alpina) and the gummy primrose (P. hirsuta), now restored to the correct folder name of P. Rubra.
These types appeared in gardens in Austria in the latter part of the 16th century.
During the following centuries, color variations and forms increased in astonishing numbers. These are the ancestors of auriculas as they are known today. Their fascinating history is recorded in several books on the subject, two of which are, “The Primulas Of Europe” by John MacWatt and “The Auricula” by Sir Rowland Men, published by the Cambridge University Press in 1951.
My venture in growing auriculas began in 1926. The first plant was the sole product of a packet of seed from Switzerland. This old plant, which is a buff color of good form, has now grown into a colony, and is greatly prized, for it started me upon a delightful adventure.
Easy to Grow Auriculas
Auriculas are not at all difficult to grow. Only patience is essential at first since seedlings are slow to develop. After plants have readied blossoming size and are large enough to move into the garden, their requirements are comparatively simple.
A well-drained soil, with humans, a little lime, and an occasional feeding of bone meal will keep them happy. Divide the plants every three or four years, otherwise, they are apt to become crowded and develop -smaller rosettes with fewer flowers.
I prepare my frames in autumn by adding a top layer of finely sifted soil. Then I make rows by pressing a strip of wood, the width of a lath across the frame, and sow seeds as soon as I receive them. The rows will show even if the soil is frozen and the frame has been covered to keep the rain, as well as the cats and dogs, from causing any damage.
Of course, a light (lusting of soil over the seeds is necessary. In a gentle snowstorm, raise the cover and fill the frame to the top with the soft snow. Replace the cover, and all will be ready for the first warmth of spring to start the seeds into growth.
Seeds will start to germinate when the outside air is still chilly. Around mid-summer, when the little plants have developed several true leaves, transfer them to another frame or place where they can be allowed to develop until another spring.
By then, many will reach flowering size. This, I think, is one of the most exciting experiences, and it is a real thrill to go each morning to the frame to see what new flowers have opened.
From the beginning, I have grown plants for my garden and not in frames and pots as specimen plants for exhibition purposes. Living in this section of America, far away from the growers of the northwest, my methods have been different, yet the results have given me satisfaction and enjoyment.
Here in southern Maine, the main display of bloom comes during May, covering almost the entire month, with the height around the middle. In autumn, after the fall rains, and when plants have had an annual top dressing of loam and bone meal, many flowers appear. Then I like to gather little nosegays for wearing lapels.
In my rock garden, the most choice spots are reserved for the rare, small plants From the mountains, including the tiny bulbs. In all the other places, the auriculas are used lavishly, and everywhere they complement the rest to make up the fabric of the attractive spring display. Used in this manner, a picture of rare beauty and refinement has been created.
Plant Auriculas Among Rocks
I like to plant them close to rocks, on walls, in crevices, and by the sides of the steps. Recently I made a wall and planted it thickly with the rosettes of auriculas, which already look natural and at home. The clean, bright foliage is attractive in itself.
Here I have also planted the so-called alpine auriculas, which usually have many shaded flowers with white or gold centers. Equally present are the gardens or border auriculas. These often have “meal” on their foliage and flowers and an exceptionally extensive color range.
Little planted is a class known as show auriculas, except for a few self types, which have striking self colors and snowy white eyes. Edged kinds in this class are little suited to the out-of-doors and look out of place in the garden picture. Since man-made hybrids are exotic they are primarily exhibition material.
The following description of some of the colors is incomplete, and one has to see the hues to realize their great diversity. There is deep marine blue, with snow-white center; black, with snowy centers; cherry red, with white eyes and brown, ranging from dark, velvety shades to light buff. Others include lavender and light blue, pink, creamy white, and rich reds in the alpine class.
Included also are colors that shade from the center out in a monochromatic effect. In the border class, there are unusual delicate shades of gray and beige, with centers dusted with a meal, along with many other variations. In grouping colors, use deep shades with the paler sorts.
Alpine auricula, Barnhaven Blue
The lovely flowers of the auricula have been used extensively in art. These are the primulas used by the French and Flemish painters in old flower prints and paintings.
Another reason it has been a pleasure to work among auriculas is that the leaves, as well as the blossoms, give off a delightfully elusive fragrance. Even the smallest seedling has it, faintly suggesting sweet-scented geraniums, but infinitely more delicate.
The wide color range in the flowers is hardly equaled in any plant family. The richness and velvety texture of some blossoms suggest a likeness to pansies, but shades and subtle hues, not usually found in other flowers, are common in an extensive collection of auriculas.
It has been a wonderful experience through the years to use these rich and beautiful colors in the garden. When plants reach the size to be divided and are replanted in groups and drifts of one color, truly lovely effects can be achieved.
For me, growing these primulas from seed has been a great satisfaction. With patience and a little imagination, it has been possible to bring together many other auriculas as companions for the old buff which started me off in this great adventure.
44659 by Betty Jane Hayward