Dainty Mix

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Calceolariaceae

Order

Lamiales

Genus

Calceolaria

Species

herbeohybrida

Description

Small ornamental herbaceous plant characterised by its showy flowers with bilabiate corolla above the basal foliage and present in a wide range of colours in different shades depending on the variety. Compact in growth, it is suitable for adding a decorative and luminous accent to balconies, window sills and terraces in planters, pots and tubs as early as the end of winter.

Variety description

Very decorative plant for its inflorescences resembling hot air balloons. Cool indoor balcony plant.

Curiosities and special features

The term Calceolaria derives from calceolus or slipper in reference to the shape of the lower labellum of the flower resembling a small slipper.

Origin and distribution

Hybrid obtained from the crossing of several species belonging to the botanical genus Calceolaria, such as C. cana, C. corymbosa, C. crenatiflora and C. integrifolia, originally from Central and South America and introduced to Europe in the first half of the 20th century.

Flower size

The flower individually is small, lending elegance to the showy bloom.

Leaf

palmate lobata

Flowering period

It flowers from late winter to late spring for a duration of 50 to 90 days, bringing colour and vibrancy to terraces and balconies.

Inflorescence

Umbrella inflorescence of high ornamental value.

Leaf colour

Solid-coloured, in perfect colour contrast with the shades of the inflorescences.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.15 to 0.25 m making it suitable for planters, pots and tubs.

Lifespan

Herbaceous cultivated as a seasonal.

Where to plant

For the unique decorative accent given by its colourful inflorescences, it is recommended as a balcony, terrace plant.

Stem

The stem is herbaceous and the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is pom-pom-shaped, small, with variegated petals. It is arranged in medium-sized umbel inflorescences. It flowers from late winter to late spring, with a flowering period of between 50 and 90 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Compact growing variety.

Plant habit

The developed habitus is globular, suitable for creating homogeneous groups in planters and pots.

PH

Like many ornamental grasses, it requires a substrate pH between 6.0 and 6.5.

Sun exposure

For calceolaria, prefer half-shady exposures as direct sunlight can cause burns to inflorescences and leaves. Choose locations sheltered from the wind.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 18 and 20 °C. The biological temperature is between 16 and 25 °C.

Use

The scenic flowering gives it a primary role among seasonal herbaceous plants in:

Outdoor ornamental

Hardiness

Variety of medium hardiness; requires a shady exposure and a well-draining substrate.

Soil

Use a high-quality spring plant substrate containing peat and perlite. It is important that the substrate is well draining to prevent the development of fungal diseases at the plant collar.

Difficulty

It is fairly easy to cultivate, with a low level of management effort required.

Growing tips

Some specific cultivation tips for best growth and flowering results:

Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours Prefer shady locations in summer to avoid dry spells and high afternoon temperatures Keep the substrate dry in low temperatures

Combinations with other plants

Suitable for creating homogeneous monochrome groups or in compositions with other hybrid calceolaria varieties.

Propagation

Multiplication is from seed.

Watering

Water regularly, keeping the substrate moist but free of water saturation conditions to prevent the spread of fungal diseases with subsequent root and collar rot; it is advisable not to water the plant from above so as not to damage the flowers.

Fertilising

Apply a liquid fertiliser for flowering ornamental plants to the substrate, to be diluted in the irrigation water according to appropriate doses and frequencies. Fears over-fertilisation, particularly in conjunction with water stress.

Edibility for humans

Species ornamental, not edible.

Tip

Avoid exposing the plant to full sun when it is at its flowering peak, the inflorescences and leaves can easily be burnt.