I hesitate to name names, but I have met the female of the species with an unrivalled knowledge of alpine plants, irises, ivies, silver-foliage plants and… well, the list goes on. Some of the best specialists I have encountered in my gardening life have been women. It would be easy to assume that an obsessive nature, where plants are concerned, is the province of the male of the species. Those invaluable members of Plant Heritage who cherish national collections of one particular species will understand exactly what I mean. It is impossible for each and every one of us to grow everything in our gardens, but when all of our individual collections are taken into account, the biodiversity becomes reality. It seems to me that a balanced view of biodiversity is what makes sense. Although turning our backs on a comprehensive plant collection might lead to neglect of the bigger picture, the reality of the matter is that there are enough of us with interests in particular groups of plants to contribute to the wellbeing of the whole. Yet, without specialists, without those who become obsessed with their charges, we would not accrue nearly as much information about particular groups of plants and neither would we enjoy such diversity within their ranks, for it is the specialists - the obsessives - who notice a particular change in plant form, colour or habit and do their bit to help them survive. When does a passion become an obsession? Are the two things inseparable? I remember, when working as a student at Kew Gardens in the late 1960s, the elfin-like gardens supervisor in charge of the cactus and succulent department wagging his finger at those of us who showed a predilection for one particular genus of plants and warning us that ‘Specialisation leads to extinction!’ But then, I suppose he was speaking from personal experience. I'm not an obsessive, pleads Alan Titchmarsh, but just an enthusiast - and he tells us which plants he's most 'enthusiastic' about over the course of a year.
Do not overpot. A 9cm pot is plenty big enough for even the most fully grown plant.Auricula hate wet feet! Use gritty compost for improved drainage (a mix of JI no2 and sand / alpine grit).Mine live outside all year round in the ‘nippy’ North Yorkshire climate.įollow a few simple guidelines and your plants will shine: The Auricula is a pleasure to grow, it is a very hardy little plant that does not require any heat. The delicate fragile beauty of Primula auricula suggests a diva of a plant that requires tender loving care & special attention in order to bloom.Īppearances can be deceiving. Here are her tips for growing these fabulous flowers.
F&F reader Lisa Peacock created this beautiful auricula theatre by her door.
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