Primula auricula auricula, mountain cowslip

This primrose is quite unique. It is evergreen and is classified as a succulent. It comes from the Alps where it grows in crevices and stone cracks, or in very rocky ground where it is protected from rotting in winter. Its large, evergreen leaves look similar to those of bergenias (elephant’s ears), which is probably why it got another name: bear’s ears.

From late April it produces about 10 cm tall stems with slightly fragrant, deep purple blue or violet flowers with yellow centres. It blooms for a considerable period of time and again in early summer it may offer a few flowers.

Grow it in sharply drained, preferably alkaline soil that will never dry out completely. Full sun or just part shade will result in profuse flowering, in shaded locations it will make larger leaves but fewer blooms. Hardy to about -45°C (USDA zone 2).

Last update 06-04-2012