Unfortunately, container-grown auriculas need to be repotted every autumn to avoid them developing straggly stems. Entries in specialist shows need to be in pots, so those with a mind to exhibit have another reason for taking the container route. Growing them in pots of gritty mix makes it easier to provide the right conditions. Heavy, clay soil does not suit them, so if necessary work in river gravel or grit to get the optimum drainage so their roots are never waterlogged. Like other members of the primula family, they need a semi-shaded spot that does not dry out in summer, thrive in well-manured ground and dislike humid conditions. Rock and alpine garden groups and specialist nurseries are the places to look for named auriculas but even those without formal nomenclature can be extremely appealing additions to the spring garden.Ĭultivation is the same for all auriculas.
In this country, there are relatively few named auriculas, particularly in the show group. There are now more than 3000 varieties registered in England, some of them derived from Primula x pubescens (which is a hybrid of P. auricula, found in alpine parts of Austria and Switzerland. They are all descended from a yellow-flowered wild variety, P. In every auricula, individual flowers (pips) are bunched in an umbel at the top of a straight stem. Because rain can damage the flowers, causing the paste to run into the flower colour, it became commonplace to protect prized plants from the weather, and thus the auricula theatre was born. The main colour can have lighter streaks and this subgroup ("stripes") is among the most sought-after by British exhibitors. They are distinguished by an enamel-like centre, known as paste, and green or white edging. Show specimens are the fourth group and this is where the greatest variation occurs. Doubles are now regaining their popularity, in part thanks to people like the late Florence Bellis, of Barnhaven fame, who bred them alongside her famous primroses. The other clue is that border varieties may be a single colour, lacking the shading of the alpines.ĭoubles have been around since the 17th century but fell out of favour after 1750, when show auriculas began hogging the limelight. Used for general garden planting and showing, many look very like alpine auriculas but farina is usually clearly visible on border kinds. The common name comes from the dusty look of farina or meal on leaves and flowers, although this is absent from the alpine auriculas, one of the four groups into which the plants are classified.Īlpine auriculas have gold or cream centres and the flower colour starts dark at the centre, shading out to a lighter colour on the outer edge, giving a tricolour effect. Too much water or very high humidity can occasionally lead to problems with diseases.A Victorian favourite, dusty millers are still popular, says Gillian Vine.Īdored by Victorian gardeners, who built special theatres in which to display them, dusty miller ( Primula auricula) is a sweetly perfumed member of the family that includes polyanthus, cowslip and primrose.
In fall, gather and dry perfect leaves before the plants are damaged by freezing weather. Snip off blossoms and old leaves to keep plants looking neat. The light-catching gray foliage of dusty miller makes it a good choice for areas used in the evening. The flowers are usually clipped off to encourage the plants to develop new leaves. Notesĭusty miller plants that survive winter produce clusters of small yellow flowers in spring. Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area. Allow 12 inches (30cm) between tall varieties such as ‘Silver Lace’. Most gardeners buy dusty miller seedlings, which are widely available as bedding plants. Sow tiny dusty miller seeds atop moist seed starting mix and gently press them into the surface. Rows: 7" (20cm) with 11" (30cm) row gap (minimum) Sow and Plant Single Plants: 7" (20cm) each way (minimum) Dwarf types make good edging plants for beds and containers.
The luminous silvery leaves of dusty miller make it a valuable neutral plant for separating bright colors, or framing showy shrubs like roses. In midsummer, drench plants with a liquid plant food to stimulate new growth. Mix a light application of a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil prior to planting.
Where winters are mild, dusty miller can be grown as a winter annual or short-lived perennial. Frost tolerantĭusty miller tolerates light frost with ease, but can be damaged by hard freezes. Dusty Miller Growing Guide Crop Rotation Groupįull sun to partial shade.