Many people are familiar with the slipper flower (Calceolaria) primarily as a short-lived houseplant. However, there are species that can also be cultivated on the balcony or even in the garden without any problems and will delight there for many months with their distinctive, colorful flowers.

The slipper flower also thrives wonderfully on the balcony

Which species are suitable for the balcony

In contrast to the Calceolaria hybrids, which are usually sold in stores and cultivated as houseplants from January, most slipper flowers are summer bloomers that tirelessly show their flowers between June and September and thus attract bumblebees or bees. The so-called garden slipper flower (Calceolaria integrifolia) is particularly interesting for the balcony for several reasons:

  • It is a shrub that grows 20 to 100 centimeters high
  • with bright yellow flowers that can be seen between June and September.
  • The garden slipper flower grows upright or hanging
  • and is suitable for both tubs and balcony boxes. (109.00 €)
  • The plant is usually cultivated as an annual.

Choose a bright but not direct sunny location

Like all slipper flowers, balcony slipper flowers prefer a bright but not directly sunny location. They often get along very well with semi-shady or shady places, so west-, east- and north-facing balconies are very well suited for planting. As a substrate, you should use a mixture of conventional potting soil, clay granules and compost and ensure good pot drainage.

Caring for slipper flowers properly

Slipper flowers need a lot of water and must neither dry out nor stand in water permanently - the plants can quickly take offense at both of these and die. Make sure that the substrate is always slightly and evenly moist, and excess irrigation water should be able to drain away. Fertilize the slipper flowers about every two weeks with a liquid flower fertilizer. (1.95€) A pruning is not necessary, only faded shoots should be removed regularly.

Grow your own slipper flower

However, it is not necessary to cut off faded inflorescences if you want to obtain seeds for your own slipper flower offspring. But you can also provide fresh plant supplies yourself by cutting cuttings in early autumn, overwinter them (frost-free, but cool) and continue cultivating them on the balcony the following year from the end of May.

tips

There are also perennial, hardy slipper flowers that can be overwintered on the balcony or under cold house conditions with little effort.

Category:

Vegetable garden