Calceolaria arachnoidea
“Capachito Morado”

Freaky flowers & fuzzy leaves make this Chilean perennial a total must-have. Plus, it’s easy to grow – it just needs regular water in average to rich soil & good light. Blooms first year from seed & is most stunning – the flowers can range in color, but are sometimes almost black, & are of course nicely contrasted with the white foliage, which is densely “webbed” & soft to the touch. The foliage grows 4” high by a foot or more wide, & is topped in Summer by heaps of half inch “pocketbook” flowers that are borne in clusters of 4 or more on 2’ stems. Cut back almost to the base after bloom, & side dress with compost. Stays evergreen (everwhite?) in winter.

Claire Woods
Propagator