Calceolaria
( kal - see - oh - LAY - ree - uh )
At-A-Glance InformationCalceolaria, also called Pocketbook Plant, Lady's Purse or Slipperwort, is a large genus of perennial flowers that need regular water. Those sold commercially tend to be varieties that are herbaceous perennial hybrids. Sunlight needs vary by species; check the descriptions below for more information. They are native to Mexico and Chile, and the flowers form in loose clusters in spring and summer. Leaves are generally dark green and crinkly, and flowers are sure to be conversation-starters.
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Calceolaria Species and Varietals
Calceolaria growing zones vary by species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Calceolaria crenata Reaching up to three and a half feet tall at maturity, this sub-shrub produces beautiful shows of bright yellow flowers. These plants are native to the Andes Mountains in Peru and Ecuador, and have a branching habit. Flowers bloom from spring through summertime in the plant's native range. |
Calceolaria crenatiflora (Pocketbook Plant, Poor Man's Orchid, Pouch Flower, Slipperwort) Native to central and southern Chile as well as southern Argentina, this species is popularly cultivated as a greenhouse ornamental, producing beautiful flowers. These plants prefer partial shade and humidity, making them ideal houseplants. This species is a member of the of the Herbeohybrida Group of Calceolaria. Varieties include 'Anytime' (pictured), ' |
Calceolaria Herbeohybrida Group (Florists Slipperwort) Grows best in zones 14-24. Produces masses of velvety flowers that are yellow or red. The flowers are often spotted or marbled. These flowers are usually grown from seed in light porous soil in spring or summer, and are ready for planting in fall. Can reach 2.5 feet tall, but the size will vary. Needs partial or full shade. Great as cut flowers. |
Calceolaria integrifolia (Bush Slipperwort) This species of Pocketbook Plant grows best in zones 14-24 and is a woody variety. Gets 6 feet tall and 1 foot wide. Yellow to reddish-brown flowers that are unspotted bloom in spring and summertime, and are great as additions to flower arrangements. These plants are sometimes mistaken for Snapdragon (Antirrhinum), due to their similar flowers. Variety 'Kentish Hero' has striking orange flowers. |
Calceolaria martinezii This rare species is endemic to Ecuador, where it exists in two populations. These are shrubs that generally grow in wet tropical biomes, and in many climates will need to be cultivated as houseplants or greenhouse specimens. Flowers are white to cream-colored and bloom in spring and summer. |
Calceolaria uniflora (Calceolaria darwinii) (Darwin's Slipper, Slipperwort) This interesting species is native to Tierra del Fuego where it grows in mountainous areas. These plants are low-growers, reaching just 4 inches tall at maturity. Flowers are intricately patterned and eye-catching, a combination of yellow, white, brown, and red. |
Caring for Calceolaria
Calceolaria love well-draining, loose soil enriched with peat moss or compost, so keep this in mind wherever you are planting them. They can be great for beds and pots, and even do great as indoor specimens. They are commonly thrown out or composted after the blooming season (used as annuals). If you are planting your Calceolaria outside, make sure the last spring frost has passed. This is a relatively short-lived species, so fertilizing is not necessary. Pruning Calceolaria plants consists of simply removing any dead or damaged areas. Because they are short-lived, pruning for shape is not necessary.
Propagation
The way to propagate Caleolaria is through seed, though these plants are most commonly purchased from nurseries year after year, as they are difficult to grow from seed. If you are looking to propagate your Calceolaria this way, keep in mind that the resulting plant may not share the same characteristics as the parent. The seeds are very small (see photos to the right) and are contained in seedpods that are pointed, brown and dry. Once you have collected your seeds, grab some shallow peat pots and fill them with well-draining soil.
Pre-moisten your soil by spraying it with a spray bottle and then place your seed on top. Do not cover the seeds with soil. Keep the seeds and soil moist by spraying them with your spray bottle. Keep your seeds in an area that receives bright indirect light and your seeds should grow into new plants after about 4 and a half months. |
Problems and Pests
These flowers are sensitive to heat and frost; preferring cool spring temperatures (55-60 degrees Fahrenheit). As long as these conditions are taken care of, the plants are for the most part disease-resistant. The only two issues that can crop up are Botrytis Blight and Phytophthora Root and Crown Rot. Symptoms of Botrytis Blight are that the leaves of your Calceolaria plant will become rotted and turn grey due to fungal growth. This issue, caused by the fungus Botrytis cinera can also affect fading flowers, which you will also notice turning grey. To alleviate this issue, maintain a low humidity by ensuring the plant receives ventilation. Also, remove all of the dead and dying tissue to prevent spread to the rest of the plant and to other plants around it. An organic fungicide can also be applied.
The second issue that crops up with Calceolaria is Phytophthora Root and Crown Rot. You'll notice this issue if crowns and roots have dark brown spots on them. These spots will spread upward to the top of the plant, which will begin to wilt and eventually die. This issue is caused by the Phytophthora species of water molds, To stave off this issue, your plant should be planted in heathy soil, and affected plants should be discarded to avoid spread. An organic fungicide can also be applied to remedy this situation.
The second issue that crops up with Calceolaria is Phytophthora Root and Crown Rot. You'll notice this issue if crowns and roots have dark brown spots on them. These spots will spread upward to the top of the plant, which will begin to wilt and eventually die. This issue is caused by the Phytophthora species of water molds, To stave off this issue, your plant should be planted in heathy soil, and affected plants should be discarded to avoid spread. An organic fungicide can also be applied to remedy this situation.
Botrytis Blight can cause grey fungus to form on leaves and stems.
Phytophthora Root and Crown Rot causes roots to die and the plant to wilt and die, as well.
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Botrytis Blight is caused by the fungus Botrytis cinera.
Phytophthora species of water molds, which causes root and crown rot.
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Applying an organic fungicide to your Calceolaria can alleviate both Botrytis Blight and Phytophthora Root and Crown Rot.
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Gallery
Videos
Growing Calceolaria outdoors.
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How to grow Calceolaria from seed.
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 211, Calceolaria
The Self-Pronouncing Dictionary of Plant Names: Calceolaria
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