Auriculas

Auriculas are spring-flowering alpine beauties and a sensational draw whenever they are seen, at primula and auricula flower shows, on display in auricula theatres, or in the garden. This essential guide tells of their rich history, describes various cultivars in detail, instructs on propagation techniques and explains how to grow and show them. Topics covered include: monthly guide to cultivation; advice on composts, fertilisers and how to raise new plants; in-depth look at pest and disease recognition and control; description of the alpine house and other greenhouses and instruction on how to make an auricula theatre and a cold frame is given. A comprehensive list of different cultivars is included. AUTHOR: Paul Dorey has been employed within the horticultural industry for more than forty years concentrating on garden maintenance, herbaceous borders and garden design. As well as writing gardening advice columns for his local press, he runs the gardening information website www.gardeningknowledge.co.uk. Paul was introduced to auriculas at the Malvern Spring Gardening Show. He learnt the basic requirements of growing auriculas by researching their origins. His collection has now grown to more than 100 cultivars, mainly of the show and alpine types.