Calceolaria Herbeohybrida Group (Pocketbook Plant)
Pocketbook Plant, Slipperwort, Lady’s Purse, Slipper Flower, Pocketbook Flower, Pouch, Calceolaria crenatiflora, Calceolaria multiflora
Noted for its unusual flowers, Calceolaria Herbeohybrida Group (Pocketbook Plant) is a showy perennial, usually grown as an annual, boasting loose clusters of slipper-shaped flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow or reddish brown. The blossoms are often spotted or blotched with contrasting color. They rise in dense corymbs just above the decorative foliage of large, roughly heart-shaped leaves, up to 8 in. (20 cm). Blooming for about a month or several weeks, Calceolaria Herbeohybrida is to be discarded once the blossoms have faded. Used primarily as a potted houseplant, Calceolaria Herbeohybrida is quite demanding in terms of care, but it will reward you with weeks of pleasure.
- Grows up to 6-12 in. tall and wide (15-30 cm).
- Requires a spot with bright light but not direct sunlight.
- Should be kept in cool room temperature: 45-50°F (7-10°C) at night; 55-60°F (13-16°C) during the day.
- Water as often as necessary to keep the potting mixture moist. Never allow the soil to dry out. Avoid watering over the crown to avoid rot problems.
- Requires a slightly humid atmosphere.
- Pocketbook Plant is perennial in hardiness zones 10-11 or climate zones 14-24, but treated as an annual in cooler areas or as a houseplant.
- Keep an eye out for root and crown rots (from the soil being too wet or fluctuations in watering), gray mold, aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.
- Pinch back to maintain shape and encourage blooming.
- The genus is native to Central and South America.
Buy Calceolaria Herbeohybrida Group (Pocketbook Plant)
Requirements
Hardiness | 10
– 11 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm) |
Spread | 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | High |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Garden Uses | Patio and Containers |
By Inna Reznik, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 10
– 11 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm) |
Spread | 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | High |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Garden Uses | Patio and Containers |