PRIMULA AURICULA BEAR’S EAR

AMONG primrose relatives, one of the prettiest is Primula auricula or Bear’s Ear. The name refers to its leaf shape. From the wild plant, we have a colourful legacy of hybrids. Wild auriculas are cowslip-yellow. Cultivated varieties come in shades of dark purple, maroon, mauve, pink, tan, yellow or even green. There are two main groups — alpine and border. Both are easy to grow in well-drained soil, a sheltered spot, and gentle sun or part-shade. Auriculas make superb patio plants, grouped in a container or lined up in individual pots. They are largely trouble-free, but can be susceptible to vine weevil larvae.