I saw these at the specialist alpine nursery I went to thsi week - these were all stock plants and not for sale. Incredible!
Auricula primulas
Grey farina just amazing
Green and yellow
Like this orangery self colour
Striped!
Pointed petals
All were named but I just didn't get them - there were so many!
I only have one auricula..its quite similar to the last one you posted.
Todd do you have that growing outside? It does have a lot of flowers!
I also have one (surprise!), it's been in the ground for about 7 years, on the top edge of a bank and does fairly well, but not quite as floriferous as yours. I have been tempted by many more, but can't have everything! A black/red one with leaves covered in farina is my target.
Todd - yours is gorgeous and the foliage is a lovely colour. Wallaby this is the nearest to black red I photographed. I once found an amazing auricula website - will have another look.
This is one of mine called Pride of Poland
I also have this blue one (not named) - it's huge! Not sure whether I like it or not...!
The whole plant
Amazing thread and pics .I Love them too but only have two.so far!!
Galanth, I like that blue one of yours. I do have mine outside...I bought it for the very mealy foliage not knowing what colour it would be. I was delighted that the flowers were also a great colour.
At the BG we have a dark red auricula called 'Dale's Red'. It looks just like your black-red one.
Ooh that pale blue is gorgeous bootandall!
My mouth fell open when I saw these great pictures!!
WOW!!!!
Thanks for posting them.
Thanks - there were so many. I really liked this one called James Arnott
Fantastic farina!
One or two more..
Amazing colours
Can't choose a favourite..
They are unbelievable. Can't wait until they get into the mainstream marketplace. Of course, I may be dead by then!
Are they very fussy about conditions, or will average primula requirements satisfy them?
Susan
The British really know their auricula....unfortunately few will ever make it to mainstream markets in America. Our nurseries are not quite as savvy as those in the UK. You might get some of the more unusual auriculas from specialty alpine nurseries in Canada and the US if you look hard enough. Our BG got some double-flowered ones from BC about 5 years back. This is one called 'Camelot'
This is 'Mathew Yates'...nearly black. It is not quite as black as it appears but its hard for the camera to capture the true deep velvet-purple colour of this one.
and this is 'Suzannah'
and this is a nice single-flowered selection called 'Rowena'. last year I crossed Rowena to my single dark purple (the heavily farinose one) and I now have 23 robust seedlings that were just planted outside. I expect most will be a medium shade of purple but you never know!
Those are all very nice Todd. Most auriculas can be grown outdoors but the fancy show ones are probably best under glass. if you're interested in auriculas have a look at www.auricula-plants.co.uk
www.auriculas.org.uk/
www.auriculas.co.uk/
www.wilkin94.fsnet.co.uk/auriculas
Really enjoying these pictures
Here is a 'wild' type auricula called P. auricula var. bauhinii. I took it this morning at our BG. Quite a bit simpler than the modern hybrids.
very lovely , such a rich colour.
Todd that is just beautiful - I really like that form - the way the flowers are splayed out like that. A lovely colour too!
Todd, that 'Camelot' is beautiful. It looks like velvet.
I went to the links and learned that the alpines can be grown outdoors, so that is the way for me to go if I ever get the chance to obtain some.
I guess for now I will just have to be satisfied with drooling over the pictures. Thanks again for posting all the pictures!
Susan
Oh Ann what a feast for the eyes! Thanks for posting these photos.
I've always adored these, and yes they are certainly not readily available over here.
I used to so look forward to going to the Harrogate flower show in the north of England as they always had fabulous displays from really dedicated growers.
Ann I love your blue one! I'd be happy to get some of any color!