Cypripedium acaule (Pink Lady's Slipper Orchid)
Moccasin Flower, Pink Lady's Slipper Orchid, Fissipes acaulis
Long-lived (up to 20 years), Cypripedium acaule (Pink Lady's Slipper Orchid) is a hardy orchid boasting deep rose, light pink or white flowers with darker pink venation, 2 in. across (5 cm). They feature an inflated pouch backed by lance-shaped, greenish-brown sepals and petals that spread out. Blooming from mid-spring to mid-summer (depending on geographic locations), the sophisticated flowers are borne singly at the top of erect leafless stalks. They rise well above a basal set of 2 opposite dark green leaves with conspicuous parallel veins. Both exotic and beautiful, this woodland wildflower takes several years to go from seed to mature plants. It should not be picked in the wild, propagates poorly, and is very difficult to grow in wildflower gardens.
- Grows up to 12-18 in. tall and wide (30-45 cm).
- Thrives in part shade in moist, acidic, well-drained soils.
- No serious pest or disease issues. Very difficult to transplant.
- The entire plant is hairy and has been known to cause dermatitis on those trying to dig it from the wild.
- Native to eastern North America.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 7 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 7 |
Plant Type | Orchids, Perennials |
Plant Family | Cypripedium - Laddy Slippers |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid) |
Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 24" (60cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Joshua Mayer, InAweofGod'sCreation (Flickr), Todd Boland (Shutterstock)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 7 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 7 |
Plant Type | Orchids, Perennials |
Plant Family | Cypripedium - Laddy Slippers |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid) |
Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 24" (60cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |