The Florist and Horticultural Journal, Vol. II. No. 7, July, 1853 / A Monthly Magazine of Horticulture, Agriculture, Botany, Agricultural Chemistry, Entomology, &c.

by Various

THE AURICULA.

Dear Sir:

Allow me to draw the attention of your readers to that much neglected but truly desirable class of flowers the Auricula. There appears to be a general idea prevailing amongst many persons that considerable difficulty is experienced in cultivating this lovely gem in our climate. This notion is certainly erroneous, and the object of the following remark is to show how this may be accomplished. The Auricula, (Primula auricula,) is one of the very numerous species of Primrose, and no mean species either. Linnaeus claims this genus for Pentandria monogynia, and it forms the type of the natural order Primulaceæ. Our present subject is indigenous to the alpine districts of the European continent, Syria, and occasionally is found in the same situations in Britain, though rare. Its name Auricula has been applied from the supposed resemblance of the form of the leaves, to the ear of an animal, and hence the vulgar cognomen “Bear’s Ears,” a name somewhat revolting to the taste of some of our delicate and sensitive belles, but quite in character with the quaint and uncouth, yet intelligent and enthusiastic class of individuals, with whom it originated. In a wild state, the colours are yellow, purple, and variegated, and I am inclined to think, in opposition to the acknowledgement of some botanist, that two or three which are considered as distinct species, are nothing more than varieties of this, if so we may include white also. Handsome as the different varieties of this flower appear naturally, the claim to beauty has been so much enhanced, by the perseverance and enthusiasm of the florist’s fostering care, for the last three hundred years, that at length, it has assumed a perfect symmetry of outline and marking, which renders it truly a gem. Were it only for the peculiarly rich odor of the flowers, it deserves a place in every garden, but when we combine this with the evergreen and neat habit of the plant, and the exquisite beauty of the flower, it seems strange as the cultivation is so easy, that it is not more generally seen, even what is grown are mostly varieties of no pretension to perfection, but simply a step or two removed from the natural state.

The Auricula is divided by florists into four classes, viz, green edged, gray edged, white edged, and selfs, the edged classes being mostly esteemed as exhibition flowers, although the selfs are tolerated and encouraged. There are also, several double varieties, but these are not considered equally valuable, yet they are well worthy of attention.

The following criteria constitute what is considered to be the main points of excellence in a prize Auricula. The stem should be strong, erect, and high enough to raise the truss of flowers above the foliage. The individual footstalk, sufficiently strong to support the flower, and of a proportional length to the number of pips, so that they may not crowd each other, and which should not be less than seven in number, that the truss may be close and compact, and form somewhat a half globe. The tube containing the anthers, the eye, and the exterior circle, ought to be well proportioned, which will be the case if the diameter of the tube be one part, the eye three, and the whole pip six or seven. If edged the margin should be about equal with the next inner circle. The edges ought to be smooth, having no serrature, so as to appear starry, and the limb or upper surface, flat and even. The nearer the outline approaches to a perfect circle the better, although the very best flowers do not quite come up to this point as yet. Whatever the colours, they should be clear, bold, and distinct, and divided in a perfect circle, or the dark markings form a circle next the eye, and extend out towards the outer rim on each lobe, so as to form so many half circles. In the selfs the colours ought to be uniform, bright and solid, or shaded off towards the outer margin distinctly and clear.

Around the cultivation of nature’s greatest beauties there is generally a halo of mystery thrown. When any thing of this kind becomes recognized as a general favorite, speculative ideas, and vague theories have each a portion of precedence, and as some of these peculiarities happen to succeed, they are lauded, made public, and the tyro catches up the most ridiculous notions. Our present subject has not entirely escaped from this general contagion, for if we refer to some old and long established growers of the Auricula, we find that one thinks that the rotted down roots of the Willow, is the only matrix in which it will approach perfection; others again suppose, that nothing is so suitable as rushes decomposed into mould, and a portion of the same material cut short in a fresh state, and strewed over the drainage; while some will not believe in any fertilizer, but blood, mixed up with maiden earth, and laid together for a season. Now all these materials are well enough in their place for other things besides the Auricula, but to say that they are absolutely necessary, and that nothing else will produce the same quality, partakes of a superstitious and retrograde movement, and belongs to the old school. The fact is, all that is required, is a tolerably rich and cool base, for if too poor the plant will be weak and the flowers correspondingly so, and if too rich the trusses are apt to become monstrosities, having irregular shaped flowers, and too crowded to form a handsome bunch, with confused colours, and undefined markings. In these remarks, I would not wish to detract from the honor due to the old floral veterans, to whose zeal we owe a debt of gratitude, whose exertions have produced many of the very best flowers, and without which we should have been minus of many classes of the greatest beauty. Still we must move ahead we live in an age of progress, and if we cannot accomplish greater individual perfection, we can certainly attain to the same by more simple means. To grow the Auricula, plant in a tolerably rich soil, a suitable compost may be formed, by mixing two thirds fresh loam from a pasture, and one third cow dung, well rotted, and laid in a heap a few months before being used. Fresh dung injures the colours, and causes the plant to grow too rank and deficient in substance, when thin and papery flowers are the consequence.

The Auricula may be grown in pots, or planted out into frames, or the open ground. If it is desirable to have a show of this flower in the greenhouse or parlour window; about the middle of August, prepare a quantity of six inch pots, place in the bottom of each, about an inch of broken crocks, or what is better the same depth of lumps of charcoal, over this put a layer of moss or fibry turf, to prevent the soil from falling down amongst the drainage, next fill in a portion of the above mentioned compost, and place into the centre of each pot a good and strong single crown. Before planting examine the roots and cut away any decayed portions, spread them out carefully, and fill up to the rim with soil, press it a little tight about the crown, and give the pot a smart rap or two upon the potting bench, which will settle all and leave a little space for future watering, do not plant too deep, but let the collar of the plant be somewhat elevated, which will prevent damping off, after potting give a good watering, but do not repeat this afterwards further, than to keep the plant in health, for the Auricula is impatient of too much moisture, and most particularly so while at rest in the winter. In order to avoid continued saturation, the pots should be placed in a position where the water can pass away freely, and likewise shaded from the sun’s rays; if plunged in a bed of sand or porous ashes, so much the better, and if worms should get into the pots, give it a soaking when dry with lime water, using the clear liquid; here they may remain till the approach of severe weather, when the pots ought to be washed and the plants carefully looked over (all decayed leaves should be removed clean away,) when they may be taken into the greenhouse and placed near the glass, freely exposed to the air and light; water carefully and rather sparingly at first, afterwards gradually increase it, (but at no time unduly,) as they advance towards blooming; do not give much artificial heat, or the flowers will be rendered weak or abortive; a Camellia or Geranium house is quite hot enough, in which a temperature of 45 at night ought to be kept.

Where there is not the luxury of a greenhouse, the same object may be accomplished by a common garden frame, (in fact a much better display to my taste) and with much less trouble and expense considering the great number of plants that may grown. In this case, during the latter part of August, or early in September, place one or more frames, according to the number of plants, in a situation freely exposed to the sun, and upon a well drained bottom, dig up the base so that the water may pass freely through, and fill in with about eight inches of the before mentioned compost, divide the plants into single crowns, the same as recommended for pots, and plant about six inches apart; if dry weather give a good watering, and keep off the glass till frosty weather sets in, when the sashes may be put on, and air admitted freely through the day. In case of rain the lights may be tilted up at the back, which will keep the plants dry and prevent any danger from rot. Open early in the morning, and keep all at rest till towards the middle of January, when the lights may be closed somewhat earlier in the evening, and the sun’s heat allowed more freely: cover with straw mats or other material, to keep out the frost, and line round the sides with rough litter or clean straw for the same purpose. When the flower trusses commence to push, water may be more freely given, but not overhead, unless in case of a genial showers, which seldom occurs at this time, and after the pips begin to expand, do not let even the rain in upon them, as much of the fine powdery substance, which constitutes a great portion of their beauty, would be thereby washed off, but apply water more freely between the rows, admit air sufficient, but avoid beating winds. By following these directions, and having a good stock of plants, the lover of flowers may be rewarded through the months of March and April, without the aid of a greenhouse, with one of the loveliest sights, and most enchanting scents in Flora’s kingdom. So far we have spoken of the little favorite as a nursling and treasured up pet, but like many other of God’s blessings, it is not so very mindful of man’s fostering care. There are many of our city yards in which there is a shaded and sheltered spot, in all such there is ample accommodation for this plant; use a fertile and well drained soil, screened from the burning orb of summer, and the thawing gleams of winter, and we can be recompensed by a sight of its beauty, and refreshed by its delicious odor, without any other protection, although of course if protected and taken care of under glass, we have greater perfection, and shall be no losers for our extra trouble.

After blooming is fairly over, choose a piece of ground sheltered from the midday sun, if moist but yet drained, so much the better, plant out in rows a foot apart, and six inches in the row, place a little deeper than before, which will cause them to push out side roots. If dry give a good watering when planted and an occasional repetition, in case of drought through the summer; no further care is required, unless Red Spider, or Aphides should attack, when a good syringing with soap-suds, will speedily eradicate them.

The following list, containing twelve of the best in each class, is from the authority of Mr. John Slater, one of the “Lancashire Heroes,” and a sure guide, a man whose enthusiasm knows no bounds, and whose honesty is equal to his perseverance.