Calceolaria arachnoidea is a diminutive, mat-forming perennial from the high Andes of southern Chile and adjacent regions of Argentina, where it inhabits exposed alpine screes, volcanic ash slopes, and windswept rocky ledges. It forms tight, slowly expanding cushions of tiny, closely set leaves that are often covered in fine glandular hairs, giving the plant a slightly sticky, “spidery” texture—reflected in its name arachnoidea.
In late spring to early summer, it produces short, upright stems bearing distinctive, inflated pouch-like flowers of dark purple with an almost velvety texture. These characteristic “slipper” blooms sit on 10” stems floating above a mat of silver.
In cultivation, Calceolaria arachnoidea is a choice alpine plant for troughs, crevice gardens, and sharply drained scree beds where its compact habit and unusual flowers can be appreciated at close range. It demands excellent drainage, cool root conditions, and a position in full sun to light shade, with protection from summer heat and winter wet.
Best suited to USDA Zones approximately 6–8 in very well-drained, mineral soils, it is a plant for the careful alpine grower. When well sited, it forms enduring, intricate cushions that reward patience with an annual display of jewel-like, pouch-shaped flowers emerging from its finely textured mats.
Calceolaria arachnoidea is a diminutive, mat-forming perennial from the high Andes of southern Chile and adjacent regions of Argentina, where it inhabits exposed alpine screes, volcanic ash slopes, and windswept rocky ledges. It forms tight, slowly expanding cushions of tiny, closely set leaves that are often covered in fine glandular hairs, giving the plant a slightly sticky, “spidery” texture—reflected in its name arachnoidea.
In late spring to early summer, it produces short, upright stems bearing distinctive, inflated pouch-like flowers of dark purple with an almost velvety texture. These characteristic “slipper” blooms sit on 10” stems floating above a mat of silver.
In cultivation, Calceolaria arachnoidea is a choice alpine plant for troughs, crevice gardens, and sharply drained scree beds where its compact habit and unusual flowers can be appreciated at close range. It demands excellent drainage, cool root conditions, and a position in full sun to light shade, with protection from summer heat and winter wet.
Best suited to USDA Zones approximately 6–8 in very well-drained, mineral soils, it is a plant for the careful alpine grower. When well sited, it forms enduring, intricate cushions that reward patience with an annual display of jewel-like, pouch-shaped flowers emerging from its finely textured mats.
