Slipperwort Calceolaria crenatiflora

Calceolaria crenatiflora, or the Pocketbook plant, is a tender herbaceous perennial grown as half-hardy annual. It is a demanding plant, typically grown as a greenhouse plant in northern climates, but can be grown in the open if its temperature, moisture, and light requirements are met. It prefers temperatures in the low to mid 60s F, slightly humid conditions, soil that is well drained and slightly damp, and a site that is out of direct sun.

The plant has very unusual and distinctive flowers and most owners of this plant bypass the requirements and enjoy the blooms by purchasing a potted plant in the spring, forcing the plant into bloom, pinching them back to extend the blooming and keep the form of the plant, then discarding the plant after the blooms have faded. The 1 inch flowers with a lower lip resembling a pocketbook display in a dense mass of yellow, orange or red and the colors can be solid, spotted or bicolor.

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems:

 Avoid sites that are too warm or subject to drafts because it will invite aphids. Root and crown rot can be a problem if the soil is too wet or watering is inconsistent. Gray mold, whiteflies, and spider mites can also be a problem. Limp leaves usually indicate the plants are too dry.