Also known as Slipper Flower · 11 gardener saves
Calceolaria: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Calceolaria, the genus most gardeners know as slipper flower. We track 6 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 6 most-saved Calceolaria varieties
Of 6 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedPocketbook Plant Calynopsis Red
Calceolaria calceolaria 'Calynopsis Red'
#2 most savedSlipper Flower
Calceolaria x hybrida 'Sunset Orange Bicolour'
#3 most savedMexican Slipper Flower
Calceolaria mexicana
Kentish Hero Calceolaria
Calceolaria integrifolia 'Kentish Hero'
Pocketbook Plant
Calceolaria arachnoidea
Chilean Gold Pocketbook Plant
Calceolaria x herbeohybrida 'Chilean Gold'
How to grow Calceolaria
What the Calceolaria varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 6 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Calceolaria year
- DeadheadApril–August100% of varieties
Remove spent pouch flowers regularly to encourage new buds.
- FertilizeApril–July100% of varieties
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to support continuous bloom.
- PlantMarch–May83% of varieties
Plant container specimens after the danger of hard frost has passed.
- Check for PestsApril–July67% of varieties
Check for aphids and whiteflies, especially in humid conditions.
- Winter PrepOctober33% of varieties
In Zone 7, protect with heavy mulch or move containers to a frost-free area.
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy 🌱
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Fertilize monthly during the growing season
- Prune after flowering to promote bushiness
- Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Refrain from fertilizing during dormancy
- Don’t let soil dry out completely
- Refrain from fertilizing in late fall or winter
What goes wrong with Calceolaria
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves, distorted growth | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Whiteflies | White flying insects and yellowing leaves | Use insecticidal soap or introduce natural predators |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on foliage | Increase humidity and apply horticultural oil |
| Root rot | Wilting, blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
Making more Calceolaria
seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist for germination, approximately 2-3 weeks.
cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
- Dip in rooting hormone, then plant in moist, well-draining soil.
- Maintain high humidity and indirect light for 6 weeks.
Calceolaria questions
How many types of Calceolaria are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 6 distinct Calceolaria varieties. The most popular — ranked by 11 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Calceolaria grow in?
Across its varieties, Calceolaria covers USDA Zones 7–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Calceolaria bloom?
Most Calceolaria varieties bloom in late spring, early summer, late spring to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Calceolaria should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Calceolaria shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Calceolaria in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
