NAPS Midland & West - STANDARDS

STANDARDS (Introduction)

For the purpose of these standards:

A Florists' Auricula is an auricula judged against written standards.

A Show Auricula is a florists' auricula having a paste.

A Show Standard consists of a complete list of all the attributes to be considered in judging each type of florists' auricula. The highest quality possible, as determined by the naked eye, is detailed for each attribute. This quality shall be botanically achievable and, at some time in the flower's history, should have been demonstrated to be realistic. The standard is intended to be applied to the fully mature pip when in prime condition.

A NOTE REGARDING JUDGING

The Midland and West Section of NAPS expects judges to apply these standards at the appropriate shows. They should not be influenced by their preferences for variety, colour, form or type but should look for adherence to the appropriate standard.

It is acknowledged that judging is not an exact science and it is appreciated that a judge's decision will often rest on ther personal experience and knowledge. No guidance is given in these standards as to the weightings of the various faults. In the case of emerging auricula types, e.g. Stripes and Fancies, the judge's influence will be particularly important.

GENERAL STANDARDS APPLYING TO FLORISTS' AURICULAS

The plant as a whole should be compact and well-balanced with clean, crisp, healthy foliage, free from pests, and preferably a single rosette of leaves of sufficient size to nicely cover the top of the pot. The stem should be strong and elastic and tall enough to hold the the truss well above the leaves, but not overly long (between 10 and 18 cm). The footstalks should be sufficiently strong to hold the pips in firm array and of just such length as to permit each pip to be displayed without overlapping. All the pips in a truss should be of even size and character; the periphery of each should just meet that of its neighbours to form a compact whole. The leaves of Edged Auriculas, Selfs, Striped Auriculas, Doubles and Fancies may have farina present or may be plain. The leaves of Green Edges and Alpine Auriculas should be without farina.

The complete assembly of pot, foliage, stem and truss should be in proportion.

NOTE: See also RULES FOR EXHIBITORS where requirements for staging of Florists' Auriculas are detailed.

The following pages define the Show Standards applying to the pips.