trefle.io · Taken Jul 9, 2005 by Andre Etienney (cc-by-sa)
Orchidaceae
Lady's-slipper
Cypripedium calceolus
Also known as Cypripedium calceolus var. citrinum, Cypripedium calceolus f. grandifolium, Cypripedium calceolus f. triflorum, Cypripedium boreale
Native Plants · Orchid · Wildflower · Protected Species · Rare · Lady'S Slipper · Woodland Orchid · Cypripedium · Mycorrhizal · Calcareous Soil · Specialist Plant
Cypripedium calceolus, the iconic lady's-slipper orchid, is one of Europe's most celebrated wildflowers and requires very specific conditions to thrive — including well-drained, calcareous soil, dappled shade, and specific mycorrhizal fungi in the root zone. This is a challenging plant best suited to experienced growers who can replicate its woodland habitat with patience, as it establishes slowly and may take several years to bloom. Always purchase nursery-propagated stock from reputable suppli
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 4 hours
- Watering
- Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged; use lime-free water where possible and never allow roots to dry out · Every 5-7 days during growing season
- Maintenance
- High
- Soil pH
- 7.5–8
- Temperature
- -30°F to 95°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
Hardiness
USDA 4a-9b
Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Spacing
- 12 in apart
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Flowers
- No
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Native to
- Algeria, Altay, Amur, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Buryatiya, Central European Rus, Chita, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, East European Russia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary
- Attracts
- Bees
Sources: trefle, usda
More Cypripedium
Related plants from the same genus
Buy this plant
No nurseries currently list it
No nursery lists Lady's-slipper right now.