Primula x. Pubescens (auricula)

Primula x. Pubescens (Auricula) Care Guide

Primula x. Pubescens, commonly known as Auricula, is a perennial flowering plant that is admired for its stunning clusters of brightly colored blooms and velvety foliage. Known for its hardiness and relatively low maintenance needs, this plant is a great addition to any garden, particularly in cooler climates. Auricula thrives in a variety of conditions, but with the right care, it will flourish, providing an attractive focal point in your garden or containers. Below is a care guide to help you successfully grow Primula x. Pubescens (Auricula) in your garden.

Ideal Growing Conditions

• Botanical Name: Primula x. Pubescens
• Common Name: Auricula
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Mature Size: Grows to about 30 cm (12 inches) tall and 20 cm (8 inches) wide
• Flower Color: Available in various colors, including yellow, red, purple, and pink, often with a contrasting dark center
• Bloom Time: Early to mid-spring (typically March to May)
• Hardiness Zones: Hardy in USDA zones 4–8
• Growth Habit: Rosette of soft, velvety leaves with upright stems bearing clusters of flowers
• Flower Shape: Bell-shaped flowers that bloom in clusters, often with a striking contrasting center

Light and Soil Preferences

• Light Requirements: Primula x. Pubescens thrives in bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate light shade, particularly in hotter climates. Full sun is not ideal for Auricula, as it prefers cooler temperatures. In warmer regions, provide some afternoon shade to protect the plant from excessive heat. If growing in containers, placing them in a cool, partially shaded spot will help the plant thrive.
• Soil Preferences: This plant prefers moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) is ideal. Auricula does best in soil that is not too heavy or waterlogged. To ensure proper drainage, mix in some sand, perlite, or grit if you have clay-heavy soil. Adding well-rotted compost to improve soil fertility is also highly beneficial.
• Watering Needs: Auricula enjoys consistent moisture, particularly during the growing season. However, it does not like to sit in waterlogged soil, so ensure the soil is well-draining. Water the plant deeply but allow the surface of the soil to dry out between waterings. During dry spells, increase watering, but always check that the roots are not sitting in soggy conditions.

Temperature and Humidity

• Temperature: Primula x. Pubescens prefers cool to moderate temperatures. It does best in temperatures between 15°C and 20°C (59°F to 68°F) during the growing season. Frost-hardy, it can survive light frosts, but protect it from severe winter weather by mulching heavily or bringing container plants indoors.
• Humidity: This plant enjoys a moderately humid environment but should not be over-saturated. Too much humidity and poor air circulation can encourage fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. If growing indoors or in a greenhouse, ensure good ventilation to prevent excessive moisture buildup.

Pruning and Maintenance

Planting and Spacing

• Planting Time: Primula x. Pubescens is best planted in early spring or late autumn, depending on your local climate. If you are planting in containers, you can do so throughout the growing season, provided the plant is protected from extreme heat or frost.
• Spacing: Space plants about 20–25 cm (8–10 inches) apart to allow for good air circulation and prevent overcrowding. Overcrowding can increase the risk of fungal diseases and reduce airflow around the plants, which may negatively impact their health.
• Planting Depth: When planting, make sure the crown (the point where the leaves meet the roots) is just above the soil surface to avoid rot.

Pruning

• Deadheading: To encourage more blooms and maintain the plant’s appearance, deadhead spent flowers regularly by removing the flower stems at the base. This prevents the plant from diverting energy into seed production and directs it into creating new flowers.
• Removing Damaged Leaves: Remove any dead or damaged leaves during the growing season to maintain the plant’s overall health. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to avoid spreading disease.
• Winter Pruning: In late autumn, after the flowering period has ended, remove any dead leaves or faded flowers to keep the plant tidy and minimize the risk of fungal infections over winter.

Feeding and Fertilization

• Fertilization Schedule: Auriculas benefit from regular feeding, especially during the growing season when they are actively blooming.
  • Spring Feeding: In early spring, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer that is high in phosphorus to encourage strong root development and healthy blooms. A granular fertilizer can be worked into the soil around the base of the plant.
  • Mid-Season Feeding: During the blooming period, a liquid feed that is high in potassium and low in nitrogen can encourage longer-lasting flowers and a more robust display.
  • Avoid Over-Fertilizing: Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive leaf growth and fewer flowers. It's best to use fertilizers sparingly, following the manufacturer's recommendations.

Common Problems and Solutions

Pests and Diseases

• Pests: While Primula x. Pubescens is generally pest-resistant, it can occasionally fall prey to aphids, slugs, or snails. Aphids may be found on new growth, while slugs and snails will feed on the tender leaves.
  • Solution: Aphids can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. For slugs and snails, place slug traps or use copper barriers to prevent them from damaging the plant.
• Diseases: Auricula is susceptible to fungal diseases like powdery mildew, especially in humid or poorly ventilated conditions. Yellowing leaves may also indicate a root rot problem, often due to waterlogged soil.
  • Solution: Prevent fungal diseases by spacing the plants well apart and providing good air circulation. Avoid overhead watering and water only at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry. In the case of powdery mildew, removing affected leaves and applying a fungicide can help control the problem. To prevent root rot, ensure your soil drains well and avoid overwatering.

Yellowing Leaves and Poor Growth

• Cause: Yellowing leaves may indicate nutrient deficiencies, especially nitrogen, or problems with watering. If the plant is growing in poor soil or has been overwatered, it may also show signs of stress.
  • Solution: Check the soil for adequate drainage and adjust watering habits. If the soil is depleted of nutrients, apply a balanced fertilizer. Ensure the plant is getting enough light, but not too much direct sun, as this can cause the leaves to scorch and turn yellow.

Companion Planting

Primula x. Pubescens makes an excellent companion plant in a shaded or partially shaded garden. Its attractive foliage and blooms pair well with many other plants, especially those that share similar growing requirements. Consider pairing with the following:

• Hostas – Hostas work well in shady areas, and their broad, attractive foliage complements the delicate flowers of Auricula.
• Ferns – Ferns thrive in similar growing conditions and can provide an excellent backdrop for the colorful blooms of Primula x. Pubescens.
• Heuchera – With its variety of leaf colors, Heuchera adds interest and contrast when planted alongside Auricula.
• Astilbe – Astilbes, with their feathery blooms, can provide a nice visual contrast and help fill in space around your Auricula plants.

Primula x. Pubescens (Auricula) is a stunning and hardy perennial that adds color and texture to shaded or partially shaded gardens. By providing the right growing conditions, regular maintenance, and protection from pests and diseases, you can enjoy a beautiful and healthy Auricula plant for years to come. With its vibrant flowers and velvety foliage, Auricula is a fantastic addition to any garden, whether planted in borders, containers, or alpine beds

• Latin name
  Primula x. Pubescens (auricula)
• Size
  9cm

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.