Show Self Auriculas
Show Self auriculas are show auriculas whose flowers are uniformly coloured from the paste to the margin. They have a golden tube surrounded by a dense white paste or farina which contrasts sharply with the brightly coloured petals. They are traditionally red, yellow, auricula blue (which is really a kind of purple) and a very dark red which often makes the flowers appear black. They often have quite powdery leaves. There is something so satisfying to the eye about a well-grown Self auricula. The pure colours, the perfectly shaped petals and the exceedingly round centre are just, well...quite perfect.
It is thought they date back to the beginning of the 19th century. They nearly disappeared after the Second World War but are now popular again, thanks to many amateur growers.
Flowering period: Mid-spring- early summer.
Height: 10-15 cm
Culture: Show auriculas are usually grown in pots and kept sheltered from excess wet in the winter. It is best if they are given some cover from the rain as the 'paste' in the middle can run. Some of the cultivars can be quite tricky to grow and are more suited to the experienced grower. Watch out for red spider mite as they seem to like the powdery leaves.
For more information on growing Show self please consult our section on Show auriculas.
