How to display like the Victorians
‘Theatres’ – wooden frames with tiers of shelves, covered with sloping roofs – are ideal to show off your display, set near the house for all to see. They’re open so that air can help the plants breathe, and covered so prize blooms are protected from rain and bright sunlight.
Grow auricula plants in small terracotta or clay pots; this mimics the small, mountainous cracks they naturally grow in and ensures they don’t get too wet in compost. Small pots are good as auriculas seem to be happier with their roots restricted. Terracotta and clay allows the plants to breathe and stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Some groups of auriculas, notably alpine or border classes, can be grown in the garden, but are easily swamped by other herbaceous plants.
All auriculas dislike hot summer sun, so after flowering they should be shaded in the garden, and any auricula displays or ‘theatres’ should be located on north or north east-facing walls. However, during the winter months they benefit from what daylight can be found so remove shading by the end of October until early spring.