Scientific Name
Calceolaria cana Cav.
Common Name(s)
Pocketbook Plant, Slipper Flower, Slipperwort
Synonym(s)
Calceolaria cana var. cana, Calceolaria chillanensis, Fagelia cana
Scientific Classification
Family: Calceolariaceae
Genus: Calceolaria
Flower
Color: Purple
Bloom Time: Summer
Description
Calceolaria corymbosa is a herbaceous perennial that grows up to 2 feet 60 cm) tall. Leaves are grey with a coat of more or less dense cobwebby white wool. Flowers are strange and beautiful, purplish or rose pink, and heavily marked externally with deeper purple or rose-crimson spots. They are up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long and borne on long stems during the summer months.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 8b to 11b: from 15 °F (−9.4 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
While this annual can be grown indoors and out, the most popular use may be as a potted houseplant. Once you look into the native environment for this bright flower, you'll know how to grow Pocketbook Plant. It comes from Central and South America in the cooler plains areas where water and bright sunlight aren't so abundant. Calceolaria care works best when you try to imitate its native home.
Keep the plant near a bright window but out of direct sunlight. If your only window is on a bright southern exposure, hang a sheer curtain between the plant and outdoors to filter the brightest rays. Northern windows and tables away from the light source are more hospitable for these plants.
Pocketbook Plant care includes carefully monitoring the water supply. These plants don't do well with too much moisture on their roots. Give the plants a thorough watering, then let the pots drain in the sink for about 10 minutes. Allow the soil to dry out until the surface is dry before watering again.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Pocketbook Plants (Calceolaria)
Origin
This species is native to Chile.
Hybrids
Links
- Back to genus Calceolaria
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
Photo Gallery
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