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Primula auricula ‘Argus’ (Primrose)

Primrose 'Argus', Bear's Ears 'Argus', Alpine Auricula Primrose, Garden Auricula Primrose

Primula auricula 'Argus', Primrose 'Argus', Bear's Ears 'Argus', Purple Primrose, Dark Primrose, Bicolor Primrose, Alpine Auricula Primrose, Shade plants, shade perennial

Primula auricula ‘Argus’ is an evergreen, perennial, alpine auricula forming a rosette of light green leaves with clusters of large, rich plum-red flowers adorned with a white center. Borne on short stems, they are produced in mid to late spring. Both the flowers and the foliage have a slightly spicy fragrant scent. Introduced in 1895, this vigorous, heirloom primrose offsets prolifically. Hardy and easy to grow, it is perfect for the front of borders, rock gardens, and containers.

  • Grow up to 6-8 in. tall (15-20 cm) and 10-12 in. wide (25-30 cm).
  • part shade lover, it is best grown in humus-rich, moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Full sun is tolerated in higher elevation or cooler summer areas.
  • A versatile primrose that can be used in beds and borders, in cottage gardens, or in containers.
  • Deadhead, and remove dead or damaged leaves as necessary
  • Watch out for pests such as aphids, leafhoppers, vine weevil, slugs, and glasshouse red spider mites. May be subject to gray molds.
  • Propagate by division or by separating and rooting offsets, after flowering

Primula (Primrose): How to Grow and Care with Success


Want to learn how to grow and care for Primrose flowers like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy the beauty of these striking plants

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Primulaceae
Genus Primula
Common names Primrose
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Height 6" - 8"
(15cm - 20cm)
Spread 10" - 1'
(25cm - 30cm)
Spacing 12" (30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Primula auricula ‘Mick’ (Primrose)
Primula auricula ‘Ancient Society’ (Primrose)
Primula auricula ‘Eden Greenfinch’ (Primrose)
Primula auricula ‘Baltic Amber’ (Primrose)
Primula auricula ‘Golden Hind’ (Primrose)
Primula auricula ‘Adrian’ (Primrose)

Recommended Companion Plants

Helleborus (Hellebore)
Brunnera macrophylla (Siberian Bugloss)

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Primula (Primrose): How to Grow and Care with Success
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Primulaceae
Genus Primula
Common names Primrose
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Height 6" - 8"
(15cm - 20cm)
Spread 10" - 1'
(25cm - 30cm)
Spacing 12" (30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Primula (Primrose)
Guides with
Primula (Primrose)
Not sure which Primula (Primrose) to pick?
Compare Now

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