auricula primrose

Auricula primroses derive from two species native to the mountains of Europe. As early as the mid-1500s, Primula auricula, an alpine primrose with yellow flowers, was being crossed with Primula hirsuta, with its red and blue flowers, to produce a kaleidoscope of collectible plants. In the 19th century in coal mining areas of northern England, auricular fanciers competed to produce new flower colors, forms, and patterns as well as silvery leaves. The silvery meal, or farina, found on some auricula leaves is actually a natural wax produced by glands in the leaves. Although hardy as garden plants, auriculas are most often grown and displayed in greenhouses to further protect their flowers from the elements.