Bear's Ear, Auricula
primula auricula
Also known as: ["Bear's Ear","Mountain Cowslip","Bear's Paw"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with fleshy leaves and showy flowers, native to alpine regions of Europe.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","disease resistant","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Primulaceae |
| Genus: | Primula |
| Botanical Name: | Primula auricula |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot or shaded garden bed with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, humus-rich soil with some sand or perlite.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; as needed to remove dead or damaged foliage.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing spent blooms and weak stems.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily; avoid direct sunlight, especially in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to new light conditions; protect from intense midday sun; place in shaded areas outdoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade, protected from intense afternoon sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter direct light; adjust light exposure seasonally.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal diseases.
Soil
well-draining, humus-rich potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a peat-based mix; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Cool temperatures, ideally 50–65°F (10–18°C); prefers cooler conditions, especially during flowering.
Keep away from heat sources; maintain consistent temperatures; protect from sudden temperature swings.
Fertilizing
every 2–4 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Division of clumps or leaf cuttings.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate offsets or take leaf cuttings.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
- Wait for roots to develop.
Best Time: Early spring or after flowering when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up leaf cutting propagation.
Timeline
Leaf cuttings may take 4–8 weeks to root; division will establish more quickly.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, rooting hormone, pots, propagation medium.
Quick Tips
Use clean tools to prevent disease; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off faded flowers just above a leaf or bud; trim back leggy stems to encourage bushier growth.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim leggy growth to maintain shape.
Tools
Sharp scissors or pruning shears, clean blades.
Checklist
Remove dead flowers; trim leggy stems; clean tools before and after use; dispose of pruned material.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; best when the plant is not in bloom.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water early morning; ensure proper drainage; avoid overhead watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure even moisture without waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or bud drop in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf damage in cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and can cause root damage or death if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C).
Solution: Provide insulation with mulch; move indoors during frost; avoid placing near drafty windows.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowering may be reduced in high temperatures.
Solution: Increase humidity; provide shade; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during growing season; avoid winter feeding; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring to early summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal distress if they ingest parts of Primula auricula. The saponins present can cause irritation to the digestive tract, though severe toxicity is rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Primula auricula can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of saponins. The effects are typically not life-threatening but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicPrimula auricula contains small amounts of saponins, which can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in significant quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to discomfort rather than severe toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Primula auricula?
A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot.
Q: Does Primula auricula require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade, especially in hot climates, to protect its leaves from scorching.
Q: Can Primula auricula be grown indoors?
A: While possible, it thrives best outdoors in cool, moist conditions typical of alpine environments.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Primulaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade, protected from |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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