lady slipper
Cypripedium kentuckiense
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size1.5 to 2.5 feet tall12 to 18 inches wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Creamy yellow with purplish brown sepals
- Soil types
- Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Lady slipper (Cypripedium kentuckiense) is a perennial for borders. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to wet, sandy soil. It has the largest flowers of the lady's slipper orchids, with a large cream pouch and maroon sepals and petals. Each stem carries one or two flowers and can reach about 32 inches tall.
Pairs well with Cinnamon fern, Royal fern, and Cucumber tree.
Native range
United States.