Calceolaria crenatiflora

RHS Plant Profile
scalloped-flower slipper flower

Synonyms

Calceolaria polyrrhiza hort.
Calceolaria pendula

Award of Garden Merit
Bedding Conservatory Greenhouse Alpine Rockery

A species of tender, deciduous, herbaceous perennial, grown as a half-hardy annual in milder climates, with dark green wrinkled and veined foliage, and unusual, inflated yellow flowers freckled with orange-brown. These appear in clusters above the foliage from spring through to the autumn. Generally best suited to rock gardens in milder climates or in a heated greenhouse in cooler conditions

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Calceolariaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Calceolaria can be annuals, biennials, perennials or shrubs, with opposite leaves or basal rosettes, and solitary or clustered, slipper-like yellow, red or purple flowers
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Chile

How to Grow

Cultivation

Outdoors, grow in light, moderately fertile, acidic soil in sun or partial shade. Flowering is best in cool, moist conditions. Water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2 weeks. To overwinter plants, lift them before the first frosts and put them in pots in a heated greenhouse

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown under glass in early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Hanging Basket
  • Houseplants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Bedding
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging

Pruning

Deadhead to prolong flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails and aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds