Cypripedium reginae (Showy Lady’s Slipper Orchid)

One of the most spectacular and beautiful Lady’s Slippers, Cypripedium reginae (Showy Lady’s Slipper Orchid) is a hardy orchid boasting showy white flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), adorned with an inflated pouch usually heavily streaked with pink or magenta. It is backed by white sepals and petals that spread out. Blooming from late spring to midsummer (depending on geographic locations), the sophisticated flowers are borne at the top of the stems, singly or in groups of 2-3. The stems bear between 5-7 large, oval, pleated, bright green leaves that have fine hairs and prominent veins. Ravishing, this plant can form a showy clump of 200 flowering stems in moist, favorable conditions, however plants with 20 or more stems are closer to the norm. Long-lived (up to 50 years), and easy to grow, Showy Lady’s Slipper is a great deal tougher than it appears. It became the state flower of Minnesota in 1902 and was protected by state law in 1925. It is illegal to pick or uproot a Showy Lady’s Slipper flower in Minnesota.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
• Thrives in part shade in moist, fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soils. Provide an annual winter mulch of leaf mold.
• Excellent choice for borders, city gardens, cottage gardens, and containers.
• Propagate by division in early or mid-spring and replant immediately. Some soil from the root ball, which contains beneficial fungi, should be planted with each division.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for slugs and gray molds.
• 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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