Primula pubescens Exhibition Series-Mixed
Common Name: Primrose, Garden Auricula, Border Auricula
Considered to be the most carefree, pest resistant type of Primula to grow, this species looks quite different than the ‘Pacific Hybrids’ and others with rugose foliage. Members of the Exhibition Series have very smooth, leathery, paddle-shaped leaves that form very flat rosettes which hug the ground.
Rounded clusters of flowers stand at attention above the foliage atop stout stems in spring. They are noticeably fragrant when cut for fresh bouquets. This mixed seed strain produces flowers in a broad array of blue, purple, red-violet, yellow, and cream shades, with a prominent yellow or white eye. In coastal climates, this plant reportedly blooms sporadically all season long if deadheaded.
This plant is listed as hardy to zone 4, though some people may find it to be more cold hardy in their climate. Primula pubescens is a cross between P. auricula x P. rubra.
