Now is the time of year
when your auriculas should be looking gorgeous. Some varieties are
proudly flowering their socks off while the tiny buds of others are just
beginning to swell. Display them for all to see on a cool window sill or
how about an auricula theatre where displayed in clay pots they stand
shoulder to shoulder competing for attention.
You can grow auriculas
outside in alpine borders where they are not in competition from larger
perennials, or why not grow as I do in ceramic sinks or clay pans topped with
grit where they look stunning. The varieties to grow outside are the alpines
and my personal favourites the borders, which I feel take on a more frilly,
feminine appearance. While the bolder colours of the alpines appeal
too, offering sturdy stems and strong growth. Do not shy away however
from the stripes, edges and fancies, again these are easy to grow but prefer a
cool greenhouse where they can be protected from rain spoiling their
farina (the powdering of the leaf) these plants offer the wow factor and cry
out to be adored.
The doubles have a
different appeal with colours ranging from the darkest ruby red to
chartreuse lemon, their heads heavy with flower. Planting in groups
of three, these make an impressive display in a clay pan and will sit happily
on a table outside all to enjoy.
For me this is the peak
of the year as I open the poly tunnel door and am hit by the sweet scent and
perfume of over 400 hundred varieties - it is interesting to see the new
varieties as they come into flower there is such a range of flower and type.
Next week I begin
hybridising where I cross pollinate one variety with another - it is an
intricate process but not difficult - choosing who to partner with who is
always a challenge. I have had some success with this over the last few
years and have produced some wonderful crosses. The trick is timing, choosing
just when the flowers are viable - then you wait to see if a seed head is
produced and whether within that seed head are any seeds! The seeds are
just like cress seed, I collect it very carefully to plant out later.
So with a bit of luck I will create something wonderful and a whole new
generation of auriculas will be born. An exciting time!
Sandra Sutton
Auriculas
