Primulaceae. Perennial of the Alps and northern Apennines, this species occupies limestone rocks, grassy ledges, and consolidated scree, generally between 1,000 and 2,500 meters in altitude. It is present from the Western Alps to the Carpathians.
It forms small compact rosettes barely exceeding 10 to 15 cm in height. The leaves are thick, fleshy, spatulate to obovate, from glaucous green to medium green. Depending on individuals and populations, they may bear a more or less pronounced whitish powder on their upper surface, or be almost completely devoid of it.
The flowers, borne in umbels on an erect stem, are bright yellow to sulfur yellow, with a well-marked white eye in the center. In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from April to June depending on altitude. In cultivation, it generally blooms in March-April.
Primula auricula is the main ancestor of garden auriculas, selected in Europe since the 16th century. It is cultivated in well-drained rock gardens, preferably in a semi-shaded position, in a calcareous and permeable substrate. It withstands winter cold well but dreads stagnant moisture at the collar.