PlantFiles: Capachito
Calceolaria thyrsiflora

This perennial small shrub reaches up to 80cm height (31”) and the same width, produces hundreds of bright gold-yellow flowers over a long period in spring, loves full sun, very little water (can be used for Xeriscaping) and although some might flower the first year from seeds, you should expect them to do so on the second, and thrives even in the poorest soil provided it has good drainage.

Sowing recommendations: either during spring or autumn. Use a mix of two parts compost, one part regular gardening soil and one part sharp river sand. Cover this mix with a fine layer of sharp river sand and moisten before scattering the seeds (do not cover the seeds). The seedlings can be transplanted into pots or bags once they have two true leaves.

This will be a lovely addition to any rock garden, in borders that require little watering, is very appropriate to retain soil (can be planted almost horizontally and the branches will ‘cascade’), in containers and pots, meadows, etc.

Tea made with C. thyrsiflora leaves is used in popular medicine in case of upset stomach, to disinfect gums and split lips.