Primula auricula Douglas Prize Mix

The Auricula primrose or Bear's Ear is a perennial plant native to the Alps, cultivated since the 16th century and even the subject of a true passion among some collectors during the 19^th century in Liège (Belgium). The numerous hybridisations carried out by these knowledgeable enthusiasts have multiplied the colours and sometimes even the flower shapes. It had become common for these enthusiasts to display their collection of Primula auricula in front of their homes on 4 or 5-level shelves called "Auricula theatres".

The mixed Bear's Ear primroses offered here are a selection of homogeneously shaped plants bearing the official name of Primula auricula Douglas Prize Mix.

The evergreen leaves measuring 6 to 12 cm (2 to 5in), arranged in a rosette, are spatulate and rounded, pale green or greyish due to a light layer of white bloom that sometimes covers them.

From this rosette of leaves emerges in March an upright stem measuring 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6in), bearing an umbel of 10 to 30 bicoloured flowers. The flowers, 1.5 to 2.5 cm (1in) in diameter, in the shape of a flat cup, have a yellow centre surrounded by a secondary colour, typically with a velvety appearance. The colours are numerous: pink, carmine red, brown, black, violet, orange, coral, etc.

The flowering, slightly fragrant, occurs from March to May.

The Bear's Ear primroses prefer a shaded location but will tolerate a sunny spot if the soil is rich and moist. Their small size (20-25 cm (8-10in) in height and width) allows for multiple uses: in groups, they are lovely in shaded beds and rockeries; in smaller numbers, they can be planted in pots or containers where they will showcase their astonishing colours.