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Auriculas and polyanthus

Claire.BeeClaire.Bee Posts: 57
in Plants
Can anybody tell me what the difference is between auriculas and polyanthus.
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  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,719
    Hmm..hard to describe.
    I am sure that there is a  very technical/botanical difference.
    Both are classed as Primula.

    Primula polyanthus group.
    Quote www....
    "Polyanthus     look very much like primroses but instead of having individual flowers on their own stalk growing from the centre of the leaves, polyanthus have a thick stem that carry a bunch of blooms well above the leaves."
    Leaves are dark green and sort of puckered with the veins...like a Primrose leaf.

    https://www.google.com/search?q=primula+polyanthus&client=firefox-b-d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi0jOi7yrPrAhVCt3EKHb9TCTcQ_AUoAXoECA8QAw&biw=1280&bih=579

    Primula auricula have sort of fleshy leaves...often grey looking.
    Often harder to grow.
    Single stem ..often mealy looking have fab coloured flowers with a contrasting centre.

    https://www.google.com/search?q=primula+auricula&client=firefox-b-d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiHp6qEyrPrAhUKQRUIHWg7BsoQ_AUoAXoECBcQAw&biw=1280&bih=579
    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307
    Auriculas are descendants of P auricula and P. pubescens with some P hirsuta genes as well.
    The name 'auricula' comes from the Latin for ear as the leaves were considered to resemble a small Bear's ear.
    Polyanthus are hybrids from P. veris with P. vulgaris with genes from other coloured species.
    the leaves are more like Primrose leaves than the fleshy ones of Auricula.
  • Claire.BeeClaire.Bee Posts: 57
    Thank you, I might try and grow a few of each.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I've found that auriculas prefer a much more freedraining soil than primroses and polyanthus.  Also the ones with the 'flour' on the leaves and buds need to be protected from overhead rain. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Claire.BeeClaire.Bee Posts: 57
    I quite like the auricula theatres. Will put it in a sheltered area.
  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307
    This is my Auricula theatre.
    As it was early in the year. It is empty now as I have thrown away all my Auriculas as I just could not get rid of the root aphids which had infected them.
  • Claire.BeeClaire.Bee Posts: 57
    Wow that looks beautiful. Such a shame about the root aphids, is that a common problem with auriculas?
  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307
    Never had them before and no-one else seems to have ever reported it. Just be careful when you buy any plants to check that they do not come with them. That is how I got them, from a now defunct Nursery.
  • Claire.BeeClaire.Bee Posts: 57
    Will be on the look out. I think the theatres look gorgeous, can't wait to start. Think I am going to do my homework and start next Spring. Do you do all auriculas or are some polyanthus?
  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307
    Only did Auriculas. Not very keen on the garish colours of polyanthus.

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