The Auricula section includes not only that species, but also most of the other Primula species from the mountains of Europe. They make clumps of rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves, in some species really glossy, but in others covered with farina. Clusters of a few flowers are borne on short stems, from late winter through to early summer, and they are indispensable residents of rock gardens, raised beds, troughs and the alpine house. They are also great in pots for showing. The many Primula allionii varieties and hybrids, Primula marginata varieties, cultivated auriculas, and Primula x pubescens (P. auricula x P. hirsuta) varieties are listed in separate groups in this catalogue.

Primula auricula is the species from which the many cultivated auricula varieties are derived, but it is a splendid plant itself, forming rosettes of rounded, mealy, light green or grey-green leaves. In spring it bears umbels of bright yellow, fragrant flowers, up to 30 in the best examples.