Xela's Garden

Garden Auricula [V]

Planted 03.09 Vistabile rockery house end
11.11 " " middle
Bought 03.09 from Morrisons for £0.77
11.11 " " " £0.59

Botanical Name: Primula x pubescens
Other names: x arctotis Primula
Genus: Primula
Variety or Cultivar:
P. x pubescens ~ P. x pubescens is a low-growing, evergreen perennial grown for its bright, salver shaped flowers held on straight wiry stems in spring. The flowers are often fragrant and usually bi-coloured in a combination that may include yellow, white, pink, purple or red. Leaves are formed at the base and are green or sometimes grey-green.

Cultivation: Plant in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.

Awards: RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)

Suggested uses: Beds and borders, City, Containers, Cottage/Informal, Garden edging, Gravel, Low Maintenance, Rock, Underplanting

Soil types: Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage: Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light: Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect: South, East, West
Exposure: Exposed or Sheltered

Hardiness: Hardy (H4)

Specific pest(s):
* Aphids
* , Glasshouse red spider mite
* , Leafhoppers
* , Slugs
* , Vine weevil

Specific diseases(s):
* Grey mould
* , Primula leaf spot

Propagation method(s): Offsets

Skill rating: Beginner

[Source: www.shootgardening.co.uk/sitePlant.php?plantid=3387&name=primula-x-pubescens- ]

Photos of this plant

Reminders for this plant

Due almost 12 years ago:

Tidy + mulch

Tidy up the plants removing all dead leaves previously missed.
Remove any loose compost on the top of the pot.
Top dress with John Innes No.2 potting compost.

Due over 11 years ago:

Feed + stake

Keep plants well watered without over watering them.
As the flower stalks rise and approach full size, stake them using green plastic coated wire.
Apply at fortnightly intervals liquid feeds of half strength high potash fertiliser. Don't feed the alpines (or any show plant that displays flower colour) again until after flowering.
Adjust staking arrangements as necessary.
Shade the plants from bright sunshine and make sure the flowers are fully protected from rain.

Divide

auriculas produce plantlets from the side of their tap roots, which should be detached and potted after flowering. August is a good month to do this.