About
Calceolaria tenella is a low-growing, perennial alpine plant that forms a dense mat. It features soft, hairy yellow-green leaves and wiry stems. In summer, clusters of up to three inflated yellow flowers, adorned with pale red spots, emerge above the foliage, resembling orchids. This species is deciduous and thrives in alpine environments.
About the genus
Calceolaria species may be classified as annuals, biennials, perennials, or shrubs. They typically feature either opposite leaves or basal rosettes. The flowers, which can appear alone or in clusters, resemble slippers and come in shades of yellow, red, or purple.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- Up to 10 cm
- Spread
- 0-0.1 metre
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
- Native to
- Chile
Care notes
- 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 frost-free greenhouse
- Pruning
- Deadhead to prolong flowering
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown under glass in early spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs, snails and aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to grey moulds