Auriculas have an old-fashioned quality: something about the green flowered and mealy grey flowered ones on display at this year’s N.A.P.S. show mades them seem as if any decent Renaissance poet ought to have written a verse or two in their honour.
One of the attractions of a flower show for me is the chance to practice photography on some unusual, exceptionally well-presented flowers.
My knowledge of show auriculas is limited, but I couldn’t help feeling that it would take an expert to spot the differences between some of the green ones.
The wonderfully named Primula auricula ‘Kermit’ seemed almost indistinguishable from Primula auricula ‘Prague’ without close scrutiny: the green edge was a touch broader and the black feathering was a little less prominent and more confined to the centre.
But then, the hybridiser focuses on nuances. Little details matter when the flowers are coin-sized. I can imagine that some cultivars are more reliable, more readily available and so more suited to the show bench.
A green, double auricula ticks off two novelty boxes. The doubles always make me think of roses. I’d love to see a rambling rose with flowers like this little beauty!
Primula ‘Limelight’ appeared to be a reliable auricula for the show bench as several exhibitors featured it at the N.A.P.S. show. The unusual colour prompts another memory – of the ice cream we were sometimes given for dinner at primary school. A little on the greyish side of cream, it was slightly sticky and was served in small (all too small), flat squares. Even as a child I knew it had something artificial about it, but it was beyond delicious.
If you fancy seeing more show bench standard Primula auriculas, check out my auricula gallery from the N.A.P.S. Northern Section’s Cheadle Show.
This post was prompted by Sunshine’s Macro Monday and Cee’s Flower of the Day.
Susan Rushton 
They’re all pretty but the first one really got my eye.
Teresa
How delighted the hybridiser must have been when the first flower opened!
I submit that “Limelight” ought to be named “Primary School Ice Cream.” Of course, that was the one that knocked me backwards, but not a one of these looks real! These are really amazing images, and I totally agree about the Renaissance poet — what a great way to put it!
I am not sure that would be the most commercial name, but of course I would join you in voting for it, given the chance. They look especially unreal on the screen.
I think they look more space-age than old fashioned. They look like they were brought back from Mars.
The last one does have an unearthly quality, now you mention it.
Beautiful!!!