Scientific Name
Calceolaria × herbeohybrida Voss
Common Name(s)
Lady's Purse, Slipper Flower, Pocketbook Flower, Slipperwort, Pouch
Synonym(s)
Calceolaria herbeohybrida
Scientific Classification
Family: Calceolariaceae
Genus: Calceolaria
Origin
Calceolaria × herbeohybrida is a part of a cultivar group of hybrids derived from 3 species from Chile and Argentina, Calceolaria crenatiflora, Calceolaria corymbosa, and Calceolaria cana.
Flower
Color: Yellow to red
Bloom Time: Spring to summer
Description
Calceolaria × herbeohybrida is a group of hybrids that usually grow up to 18 inches (45 cm), sometimes smaller. Leaves are large, up to 8 inches (20 cm) long, roughly heart-shaped, and grouped around the base of a single central stem. Above the leaves rise several branching, up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall stalks, each carrying loose clusters of pouch or slipper-shaped flowers, which vary in size from 0.4 inches (1 cm) to 2 inches (5 cm) across and in color from yellow to red. Most of the flowers are spotted or blotched with a contrasting color.

Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 40 °F (+4.4 °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 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. For example, if your only window is on a sunny 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)
Links
- Back to genus Calceolaria
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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