Calceolaria biflora – Vibrant Yellow Blooms for a Unique Garden Display

Bring a touch of the extraordinary to your garden with Calceolaria biflora, a charming perennial known for its distinctive, slipper-shaped yellow flowers with deep red markings. Perfect for rock gardens, borders, and container planting, this compact and resilient plant thrives in cool climates and adds an exotic appeal to any outdoor space.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Calceolaria biflora
• Common Name: Pocketbook Flower, Slipperwort
• Plant Type: Perennial flowering plant
• Flower Color: Bright yellow with reddish-brown markings
• Mature Height: 6 to 12 inches
• Spread: 8 to 14 inches
• Growth Habit: Clumping, low-growing
• Light Requirements: Partial shade to full sun
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil
• Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers consistently moist soil
• Blooming Season: Late spring to early summer
• Uses: Rock gardens, borders, woodland gardens, container planting

Why Grow Calceolaria biflora?

• Exotic & Eye-Catching Blooms – Unique pouch-shaped flowers create a stunning garden feature.
• Compact Growth Habit – Ideal for small gardens, borders, and rockeries.
• Thrives in Cool Climates – Prefers temperate conditions, making it perfect for higher altitudes.
• Wildlife-Friendly – Attracts pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
• Easy to Grow – Low-maintenance once established.

How to Grow Calceolaria biflora from Seeds

Seed Sowing Instructions

• Best Time to Sow: Early spring or fall
• Pre-Treatment:
  • No special pre-treatment required, but cold stratification (4 weeks at 40°F/4°C) may improve germination.
• Sowing Method:
  • Sow seeds in seed trays or directly outdoors in prepared soil.
  • Lightly press seeds onto the soil surface—do not cover as light aids germination.
  • Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Germination Conditions:
  • Soil Temperature: 55-65°F (13-18°C)
  • Germination Time: 2-4 weeks

Care and Maintenance

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially in warm weather. Avoid waterlogging.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
• Pruning: Remove spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming.
• Winter Protection: Mulch lightly in colder regions to protect roots from frost.
• Pest & Disease Resistance: Generally resistant to pests but may require monitoring for aphids.

Companion Planting Suggestions

• Pairs well with Ferns, Primulas, and Campanula for a lush, woodland-inspired garden.
• Complements other low-growing perennials like Aubrieta and Saxifraga.
• Looks stunning alongside small ornamental grasses for textural contrast.

Brighten Your Garden with Calceolaria biflora

With its exquisite slipper-shaped flowers, easy-care nature, and compact growth, Calceolaria biflora is a delightful choice for gardeners looking to add something unique to their landscape. Whether planted in rock gardens, borders, or containers, these brilliant yellow blooms will stand out beautifully.