AURICULAS began life as a cross between two inhabitants of the European Alps, the yellow Primula auricula and the pink P. hirsuta. The offspring, P. x pubescens, was constantly hybridised to unlock a palette box of clear, saturated colours like those of an illuminated manuscript: burnished gold, oxblood, rich chocolate, jade green and carmine red.
The English Florists (enthusiasts who bred flowers such as auriculas, tulips and carnations to highly specific criteria for competitions) cultivated thousands of varieties, divided into four main groups: Show, Alpine, Double and Border. Show auriculas are the most exquisite (and the most temperamental) and are divided into further categories called Edged, Stripe, Self and Fancy. Many are coated with varying amounts of farina, a white
