Cypripedium (Lady Slipper Orchid(
One of the most popular groups of orchids, Cypripedium (Lady’s Slippers) are terrestrial orchids with creeping rhizomes boasting erect racemes of up to 12 supremely beautiful flowers adorned with white, pink, red or purple tepals and a yellow, white, pink or purple pouch. Equally handsome is the soft fan-shaped foliage that is spirally arranged or in opposite pairs. Many species are hardy in temperate gardens, while others are best grown in pots. Particularly easy to grow, most enjoy shaded sites in humus-rich, well-drained soils.