Primula auricula Viennese Waltz

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 19th century in the Liège region (Belgium). This flower particularly enchanted Queen Victoria of Great Britain. The numerous hybridisations carried out by knowledgeable enthusiasts of that time multiplied the colours and sometimes even the shapes of the flowers. It had become common for these enthusiasts to exhibit their collection of Primula auricula in front of their homes on 4 or 5-level shelves called "Auricula Theatres".

The Bear's Ear Primroses 'Viennese Waltz' are homogeneous with numerous brightly coloured flowers. The official name of this variety is Primula auricula, 'Viennese Waltz'.

The Bear's Ear Primroses prefer a shaded position but will tolerate a sunny location if the soil is rich and moist. Their small size (20-25 cm (8-10in) tall and wide) allows for multiple uses: in groups they work wonders in shaded flowerbeds and rockeries, in smaller numbers they can be planted in pots or containers where they will showcase their astonishing colors.

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

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 a 10- to 15 cm (4- 6in) tall upright stem in March, bearing an umbel of 10- 30 bicoloured flowers. The flowers, 1.5 to 2.5 cm (1in) in diameter, with a flattened cup shape, have a yellow centre surrounded by a secondary colour that is usually velvety in appearance. The colours are numerous: pink, carmine red, brown, black, violet, orange, coral...