Lady's Slipper Orchids, Hardy Terrestrial Orchids, Slipper Orchids, Moccasin Flower, Camel's Foot, Squirrel Foot, Steeple Cap, Venus' Shoes, whippoorwill Shoe
Cypripedium (Lady’s Slipper Orchid) is a genus of terrestrial orchids in the Orchidaceae family. It includes about 50 species, most of them quite hardy, which can be found in America, Europe, and Asia. In the northern part of their distribution, temperate slipper orchids are found from sea level into the lower hills, occupying coniferous forests, mixed deciduous woodlands, bogs, fens, grasslands or prairies. Some can survive harsh winter conditions, fearlessly withstanding temperatures below -22°F (30°C). Farther south, they usually inhabit montane woodlands and grasslands at higher elevations.
Cypripedium species vary considerably in size, color, growing requirements, and blooming duration. Some will only bloom for a week, whereas others can bloom for up to 3 weeks.
Lady’s slipper orchids are among the most desired of all hardy orchids. Often colorful and striking, these rhizomatous perennials have a distinctive inflated pouch or modified lip (labellum) that resembles a slipper or shoe. Depending on the species, the slipper can be as large as a chicken egg or quite small. This slipper is a key element of their pollination strategy: insects trapped in the pouch are obliged to crawl under the anther as they exit and in so doing transfer pollen to the stigma. The labellum often has a contrasting color from the three long, twisted petals. Three or more leaves are usually produced along the stem, although leaves can also be basal.
Cypripedium species have been sought after for their beauty and the medicinal trade (often utilized as a milder alternative to Valerian) for decades. Unfortunately, many species in America and Europe are close to extinction due to their shrinking natural habitat and widespread collection. Several species are legally protected in some regions where digging or picking the orchids has become illegal. Lady’s slippers rarely survive transplanting from the wild.
| Hardiness |
2 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Orchids, Perennials |
| Genus | Cypripedium |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid) |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Native Plants | California, United States, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Michigan, Midwest, Minnesota, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Southeast, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Southwest, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, Wyoming, Rocky Mountains, Montana, Colorado, Alaska |
| Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
New shoots typically burst into life in spring, forming a lush bouquet of bright green leaves after 3-5 weeks. Flowering usually extends from mid-spring to mid-summer, depending on species and locations. The foliage remains fresh-looking during the growing season before fading and disappearing in the fall. Cypripedium then enters winter dormancy. Growth starts as the weather improves in early spring, influenced by increasing warmth and moisture. Over time, Cypripedium will multiply by rhizomes and by seed dispersal in ideal growing conditions and reward gardeners with ravishing exotic-looking flowers year after year.
Generally speaking, shady positions but good light, and wet conditions but good drainage, are the secrets to obtaining healthy and fine plants with rich roots.
Wild lady slippers have special requirements that make them difficult to cultivate. Cypripedium hybrids are often easier to grow than most of the species.
Light needs. Lady’s slipper orchids are woodland plants. They usually grow in bright shade or dappled sunlight under tall trees. Although they do enjoy the morning sun, the midday sun should be avoided, and they should be exposed to only filtered sun in the afternoon. A very suitable place would also be on the north side of a building.
Soil needs. Plant in the cool part of your garden in raised beds of sand and loam or leaf-based compost. The soil needs to be well-aerated, fertile, leafy, and humus-rich, and drainage needs to be excellent.
Water needs. All temperate slipper orchids need adequate moisture during the growing season. The soil should never be soggy, nor should it dry out. After flowering, the plants will die back and watering can be reduced. Too much moisture during dormancy may lead to shoot rot.
Fertilizer. Fertilize regularly in spring using a 10-10-10 fertilizer at half the recommended strength. Do not fertilize at all during winter.
Mulch. Provide an annual winter mulch of leaf mold in the fall to prevent the soil from frost heaving. In spring when the new shoots start to appear, simply remove the mulch.
Planting. Fall is the best season for planting. Avoid planting your orchid very close to trees and bushes, as their roots might compete with those of your orchids. Hold the rhizome so that it faces up and is 1 in. (2.5 cm) below the surface. Gently fill in around the roots and over the top of the bud with soil without compressing it, and water thoroughly. Do not fertilize right after planting.
Pests and disease. Keep an eye out for slugs.
Division. Cypripedium clumps should be divided every few years in order to keep them healthy.
Tip for reblooming. If your orchid is not blooming, try moving it to another cool location with a different exposure.
Cypripedium can be a lovely addition to woodland gardens or shaded areas. The hardy orchids thrive best when planted with other plants that appreciate the same conditions. Here are some companion plants that can be considered:
Remember, all these plants enjoy similar woodland conditions: dappled shade, and rich, well-draining soil. They can provide a beautiful backdrop and help create a healthy environment for your Cypripedium.
Mike Russell/Shutterstock
| Hardiness |
2 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Orchids, Perennials |
| Genus | Cypripedium |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid) |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Native Plants | California, United States, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Michigan, Midwest, Minnesota, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Southeast, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Southwest, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, Wyoming, Rocky Mountains, Montana, Colorado, Alaska |
| Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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