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Calceolaria spp.
slipper flowers
Mexico, Central and South America, Andes
Overview
Calceolaria spp. is a genus of about 270 species of annual and perennial herbs and subshrubs in the family Calceolariaceae, native to the Americas, from Mexico south through the Andes to Patagonia. Plants range from low alpine cushions a few inches high to bushy plants 2 feet (60 cm) tall, with soft, often hairy, wrinkled green leaves. The flowers are the defining feature: each has a swollen, pouched lower lip shaped like a slipper or small purse, balanced by a much smaller upper lip, in shades of yellow, orange, red, and bronze, frequently spotted or blotched with darker markings. Bloom comes mainly in spring and summer, with flowers clustered above the foliage. The genus occupies habitats from cool, moist mountain meadows and forest floors to drier slopes, depending on the species. A limitation across the genus is sensitivity to heat and humidity: the large-flowered types sold as flowering pot plants are short-lived and decline quickly in warm rooms, while many wild species need cool, moist, frost-free conditions that are difficult to maintain.
Native Range
Calceolaria spp. is native to the Americas, ranging from Mexico through Central America and along the Andes to southern Chile and Argentina. Species grow in mountain meadows, cool forests, rocky slopes, and grasslands, with the greatest diversity in the Andes.Suggested Uses
Calceolaria spp. is used as a cool-season flowering pot plant and short-term bedding for spring display, and the hardier alpine and shrubby species are grown in rock gardens, troughs, and cool borders in mild climates. The pouched flowers are grown as a feature in containers and conservatory plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 2'
Width/Spread6" - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Calceolaria spp. flowers mainly in spring and summer, with the large-flowered pot types blooming in late winter and spring under cool greenhouse conditions. The pouched flowers are held in clusters above the foliage and last several weeks. Cool temperatures extend the flowering period, while heat shortens it.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
yellow, orange, and redFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Across the genus, Calceolaria spp. grows in part shade to full sun in cool climates, in moist but well-drained soil rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic pH of about 5.5 to 6.5. Plants need cool, humid, frost-free conditions and decline in heat, dry air, and waterlogged soil. The large-flowered hybrids sold as pot plants are grown as short-lived seasonal color and are kept cool and out of direct midday sun. Watering keeps the soil evenly moist without wetting the soft, hairy leaves, which are prone to rot. Perennial and shrubby species are grown from seed or cuttings in mild, maritime climates.Pruning
Spent flowers and flowering stems are removed to keep plants tidy and, in perennial species, to encourage further bloom. Bushy and shrubby species are trimmed lightly after flowering to maintain shape. The large-flowered pot types are usually discarded after blooming rather than pruned.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons