Primula x pubescens - Tyrol Primrose

Primula x pubescens, also known as Garden Auricula, is a Primrose that sparked passions among collectors in the 18th century. This perennial species of horticultural origin forms rosettes of thick, leathery, green to greyish-green leaves, more or less powdery. It produces short stems with clusters of pink to dark purple flowers, almost black, sprinkled with powder, and illuminated by a large yellow eye. It blooms in April-May, in partial shade or in the sun, in any moderately moist to moderately dry and fertile soil, and can be used in rock gardens, borders, or to decorate troughs or pots.

Primula x pubescens belongs to the Primulaceae family, like all primroses. It is a mutation of the Primula auricula species, which appeared in the 18th century. Nicknamed the "Bear's Ear," this primrose from the alpine chain gets its name from its persistent, velvety, greyish leaves that somewhat resemble a "little ear," hence its Latin name auricula. This perennial first produces a rosette of persistent leaves, green to greyish-green, glabrous or powdery, measuring 5 to 10cm (2 to 4in) long, obovate to lanceolate, wide, entire or toothed. In spring, numerous umbels of golden yellow, highly fragrant, flattened flowers, measuring 5 to 20cm (2 to 8in) in height, appear above the foliage.

The garden auricula, on the other hand, has flowers with a wider, lighter yellow centre, sometimes surrounded by a dark or green border. The rounded corolla, ranging from 15 to 25mm (1in) in diameter, has various velvety shades: white, grey, pale green, yellow, pink, red, lavender, purple, or brown. The flowering, more or less fragrant, occurs from April to May, sometimes until June. This perfectly hardy perennial produces spreading clumps that are 30cm (12in) wide and 15cm (6in) high, with rooting shoots, and upright rosettes of thick, leathery, green to greyish-green leaves, more or less powdery.

This primrose is not widely found in our current gardens; it is rather the prerogative of collectors with its original and somewhat sophisticated colours. It appreciates moderately moist to moderately dry, even limestone soils in rock gardens or humus-rich environments. Hardy down to -40°C (1°F), it only requires a sunny location and well-drained soil. It forms elegant, colorful borders with persistent foliage even in winter or decorates troughs with splendour. It also pairs well with alpine plants such as Alyssum, Aubrieta, Arabis, Primula wanda, and P. vialii, as well as Alchemilla mollis or Astilbes. It can also be grown in pots, in a fresh substrate rich in organic matter.