Where it all began
● Primula auricula – or just ‘auriculas’ as they’re commonly known – belong to the primula genus, which encompasses some 500 or more species, of which the auricula is just one. The thousands of auricula hybrids grown today originate from just a handful of species that grow wild in the alps; these species have been grown and intensely bred over hundreds of years to create the colourful array of plants we have available today. ● From the 16th and 17th centuries, wild forms of auricula were hybridised rapidly and enthusiasts have strived for the best forms ever since. The first ‘edged’ auricula was introduced in 1757, and in Victorian times auricula breeding was a passion of the miners and weavers of Lancashire. The Victorians introduced the renowned ‘auricula theatre’ to proudly show off their ornate displays, but the early 20th century saw a decline due to war and industrialisation. In the 1960s interest was sparked again, with auricula displaying given a whole new lease of life that’s gone from strength to strength. Calke Abbey in Derbyshire has the only known example of an original auricula theatre in the country. ● There are seven main groups of auriculas, each with their own distinct characteristics. These are: alpines, borders, doubles, selfs, fancies, stripes and edges. While alpines are the strongest and most floriferous and doubles flower for the longest period, it’s the fancies, edges and stripes that hold the fascination of many enthusiasts.