Auriculas have an old-fashioned quality: something about the green flowered and mealy grey flowered ones on display at this year’s N.A.P.S. show mades them seem as if any decent Renaissance poet ought to have written a verse or two in their honour.
One of the attractions of a flower show for me is the chance to practice photography on some unusual, exceptionally well-presented flowers.
My knowledge of show auriculas is limited, but I couldn’t help feeling that it would take an expert to spot the differences between some of the green ones.
The wonderfully named Primula auricula ‘Kermit’ seemed almost indistinguishable from Primula auricula ‘Prague’ without close scrutiny: the green edge was a touch broader and the black feathering was a little less prominent and more confined to the centre.
But then, the hybridiser focuses on nuances. Little details matter when the flowers are coin-sized. I can imagine that some cultivars are more reliable, more readily available and so more suited to the show bench.
A green, double auricula ticks off two novelty boxes. The doubles always make me think of roses. I’d love to see a rambling rose with flowers like this little beauty!
Primula ‘Limelight’ appeared to be a reliable auricula for the show bench as several exhibitors featured it at the N.A.P.S. show. The unusual colour prompts another memory – of the ice cream we were sometimes given for dinner at primary school. A little on the greyish side of cream, it was slightly sticky and was served in small (all too small), flat squares. Even as a child I knew it had something artificial about it, but it was beyond delicious.
If you fancy seeing more show bench standard Primula auriculas, check out my auricula gallery from the N.A.P.S. Northern Section’s Cheadle Show.
This post was prompted by Sunshine’s Macro Monday and Cee’s Flower of the Day.
Susan Rushton 
Those Primulas are absolutely stunning. I’ve never seen anything remotely like them and I’m wondering they have these green (or green & white) varieties at my local Plant Nursery.
I like these even more than the brightly coloured ones.
You might need to look online for the fancier ones – try searching for auricula show edges. They are not as common because they are more of a challenge to grow well.
These are the loveliest things. It’s very likely too hot to grow them here, unless deep in the shade, but your photographs of them are wonderful advertisement for their charms.
They are often grown in a cool greenhouse here. The silver and white edged ones need protection from rain which would wash away their farina.
Oh, goodness, so they really are hothouse/greenhouse plants…
Well aren’t those neat! Great pictures
Thank you!
Wonderful pictures and flowers!
It’s always nice to photograph a flower that does not move – I seem to spend far too much time outside watching a flower dancing on a branch and hoping the wind will drop!
Amazing! These plants look like the products of obsession (in a good way), and your photos present them beautifully.
Obsession would seem appropriate for most plant breeders. 🙂
Such elegance and variety – makes me wish for an auricula theatre!
Oh, me too!
Superb photographs, as always.
Thanks, Derrick.
So striking!
There is a tiny heart hidden in the green double one.
Green flowers are always so interesting. Love your photos, and thank you for sharing.
My pleasure, Pam.
I especially love that first one 🙂 🙂
That one does seem to have it all.