'Luthian' is a red 'self' show Primula auricula.

Red 'Selfs' are single flowers with a uniform block of red colour except for the paste centre made of dense farina.

About ‘Show’ auriculas: ‘Show’ auriculas were highly prized in the 17th century and changed hands for huge sums of money. They are now making a comeback and deservedly so. Show auriculas have powdery ‘meal’ or ‘farina’ on the flowers (and usually on the foliage) and their various forms includes ‘selfs’, ‘edged’, ‘stripes’ and ‘fancies’. We offer an excellent range of plants grown from cuttings.

‘Show’ auriculas will always perform best in the protected environment of a cold greenhouse. They will grow outside in a sheltered position but heavy rain and wind will wash away the meal on the flowers and foliage.

In the greenhouse: the greenhouse should be unheated and very well ventilated at all times. It should also be kept shaded from late March until September. Traditionally auriculas are grown in ‘long toms’( a long narrow terracotta pot), where they can be attractively displayed in a traditional hand-made wooden auricula 'theatre', but normal clay pots or plastic pots are also suitable. We use John Innes Potting Compost No.2 with added perlite and leaf mould. Water carefully in autumn and winter, more freely in spring. Regular attention must be given to removing withered leaves and re-potting when necessary.

In the garden: provide ‘alpine’ plants with moist soil, rich in humus. Choose a well-drained, sheltered site where there is a little dappled shade, or plant them in a low patio pot or alpine trough which can be moved to a shady spot in the summer months. If grown individually in small pots they can be attractively displayed in a traditional hand-made wooden auricula 'theatre'.

Available for delivery in the following locations:

United Kingdom (England, Wales, Mainland Scotland, Scottish Islands, Scottish Highlands, Isle of Wight, Northern Ireland, Isles of Scilly)