Calceolariaceae - Botanical Family

Botanical name: Calceolaria sp.

Common names: Slipper flower, Slipperwort, Pocket book flower

Family: Calceolariaceae    (Formerly:Scrophulariaceae)

Origin: Central America

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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This genus includes about 388 species of shrubs, lianas, and herbs.

The Calceolaria Herbeohybrida Group comprises ornamental hybrids known only in cultivation, commonly called florist s slipperwort, pouch plant, or pocketbook plant. These low-growing, cool-season plants produce a profusion of bright, pouch-shaped flowers in white, red, crimson, yellow, orange, and bicolored forms. Pocketbook plant is perennial in USDA Zones 10 11, but is usually treated as an annual in cooler areas or grown as a houseplant. Grown mainly for seasonal color, they are valued for adding vivid blooms to small gardens, patios, and containers.

For pot culture, use a moist, well-drained mix and place the container where it receives bright light with a few hours of direct morning sun; partial shade is also suitable. Maintain evenly moist soil without waterlogging. Feed every two weeks with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer during active growth. In most climates these hybrids decline after flowering and are replaced with new plants each season. In cooler regions they can be started indoors in late winter for spring display. Remove spent flowers to keep plants tidy.

Botanical names: Jovellana violacea, Calceolaria violacea

Common names: Jovellana, Teacup Flower, Orchid Bush

Family: Calceolariaceae    (Formerly:Scrophulariaceae)

Origin: Chile

Jovellana violacea (Jovellana) is a shrub native to Chile. 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 8 - 10. 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.