Native to the Falkland Islands, Calceolaria fothergillii is a hardy little plant, forming a rosette of tiny, spoon-shaped, pale-green hairy leaves. From this rosette a single stem bears a lady's slipper flower in yellow with red or violet spots and a white bar across the 'toes'.
For best results grow in moist but well-drained soil in a cool spot in partial shade. Never allow the soil to dry out and deadhead plants regularly.
Calceolaria fothergillii may be propagated from seed: sow seed on the surface of moist, well-drained compost in spring. Keep seedlings moist and transplant into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Gradually harden them off to outside conditions and move them to their final planting positions after all risk of frost has passed.
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Sow
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Plant
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Flowers
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Divide
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Calceolaria and wildlife
Calceolaria has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
