![]() For pots we recommend a mix of equal parts of John Innes Compost No 2, multi-purpose compost, and perlite or grit for drainage. What soil should they be grown in?Īuriculas hate a wet compost or soil, so good sharp drainage is vital. 'Bran' Very dark velvety flower with yellow centre.'Wycliffe Midnight' Large wavy-edged purple flowers, fading gently to the outside of the petals.'Gwai Loh' Strong grower with dark reddish-brown flowers.'Eden Greenfinch' Green-tinged tawny brown flowers.'Eden Blue Star' Dark blue-purple flowers with pale inner ring.They can be grown successfully in a smaller 10cm pot but will never reach their full potential of a floriferous multi-flower-spiked clump. ![]() What is the best way to grow border auriculas?Ī good true border type thrives in a well-drained situation outside in a large container or a border. Some carry heavy meal or farina (a white powder similar to fine flour on flowers, stems and leaves) while others show no trace of it. They range from large clumps bearing numerous flower spikes and full-petalled blooms that shout their joy at you to the smaller, shyer plants nearer the ground that require closer inspection to appreciate their full beauty.Ĭolours vary from almost black to white and every tone and shade in between. The most appealing quality is their enormous variation. However, not everything sold as one behaves like one, so we always trial new cultivars outdoors to check their hardiness. All other auriculas come into the category of florist's flowers' and meet certain specific written criteria, but there are no rules and restrictions with border auriculas. What is the difference between border auriculas and their rarefied relatives, the show auriculas?īorder auriculas used to be called garden auriculas or Dusty Millers and should always be hardy, floriferous and have a sweet scent. The first catalogue was issued in 1999 and was printed to order at home. The collection increased and, within a few years,Ī bigger tunnel was installed and surplus plants were being sold at plant fairs, from the garden gate and via mail order. Those original auriculas were grown in the shade at the side of the garage with minimal weather protection. It was not long before the first 6ft x 10ft polytunnel was 'needed'. When did you become interested in auriculas?Īnnabel's mother grew them for pleasure and she passed on some spare plants to her, with the comment, "Just a hobby you might enjoy now the boys are away at school". Until 2001, I worked elsewhere, so my efforts were confined to structural work, hedges and lawns. Many winter evenings were spent drawing plans and researching plants. Since we married 36 years ago, Annabel has been the gardener wherever we have lived. Their favourite species? Border auriculas. This is what we learnt about growing the perfect, colourful border.īut first, a bit about Robin and Annabel. ![]() Small seedlings can be a tricky to over-winter, but some superb plants can be raised using this method and a better crop of autumn flowers can be expected.Continuing our search for horticultural devotees whose gardens are shaped by their love of one species of plant, we went to Drointon Nurseries in North Yorkshire to meet Robin and Annabel Graham. Fresh seed is available from September onwards for those who like to make an early start. The main flowering period for auriculas under cold glass is March or April of the following year. ![]() When the leaves touch, pot into 9cm (3.5ins.) pots and grow on to flowering using the same compost mix.įrom a January sowing, a few plants will be in flower by the autumn. Place in a shaded cold greenhouse or cold-frame to grow on. When seedlings are large enough to handle, prick out into seed trays using a potting compost made up of 2 parts (by bulk) of John Innes No2, 1 part of grit and 1 part of either peat or shredded leaf mould. Stand in a cold greenhouse or cold-frame. Keep them moist, giving them a good drenching when needed this is preferable to frequent light watering. When seed begins to germinate, cover very thinly with vermiculite to retain moisture and to encourage the seedlings to establish. Do not cover the seed, but cover pans with an upturned seed tray or pot to prevent drying out. Sow thinly at any time between November to early February and use moistened, multi-purpose, peat-based compost. Store your Primula auricula seed in a cool place. ![]()
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