Jovellana violacea, Calceolaria violacea

Jovellana violacea (Jovellana) is a large shrub native to Chile and can grow 5-10 ft tall. It's a small plant of 2-5 ft, without blooms it is an attractive plant, with woody stems and mint-shaped foliage. It prefers full sun or semi-shade and regular water. It blooms white, off-white, blue, lavender, and purple flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. As a mature plant it is cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time.

Jovellana violacea is best grown in USDA Zones 9-11. For those growing in colder regions, the plant should be grown in pots and moved indoors in temperatures dip below freezing. It will benefit from a regular watering schedule and regular fertilizing. It is important to mulch the root zone to help protect the plant from extreme temperatures. Pruning can be done to reduce size and otherwise shape the plant. However, it is best to avoid pruning during cold months.

Similar plants:

• Calceolaria herbeohybrida (Pouch flower, Slipper flower, Slipperwort, Pocket book flower)
• Calceolaria sp. (Slipper flower, Slipperwort, Pocket book flower)