Species lady slipper
yellow-burgundy flowers with lime-olive leaves and stems

lady slipper

Cypripedium kentuckiense

The Lady Slipper (Cypripedium kentuckiense) is an amazing species of plant that can be found in North America. Its unique, large pink flower looks like a shoe with closed petals that resemble a slipper. Since it is a protected species you can find it mostly in the wild, like in woods, wetlands, and meadows. What makes is so interesting is that it grows in colonies and blooms beautiful pink flowers between June-August. The plant needs a specific environment in order to thrive, and the flowers will only open when temperatures are warm and bees come to pollinate them. It is definitely worth a spot in any garden as an amazing, rare specimen.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Tissue Culture,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Creamy yellow with purplish brown sepals Flowers

Sun:

Part shade,full shade

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Cypripedium kentuckiense, or lady slipper, should be watered regularly and moderately. Water the plant regularly in the spring and summer months, but don't water too often or excessively. During this time, water every 2-3 days, or as needed to keep the soil moist but not soggy. In fall and winter, reduce watering to every 1-2 weeks, as the plant goes dormant. Avoid overwatering in winter, as this can cause root rot.

sunlight

Lady slipper (Cypripedium kentuckiense) plants prefer partial shade, receiving a few hours of direct sunlight each day in the mid-morning and late afternoon. In the warmer months, the plants can handle more sunlight but should be shielded from strong or intense mid-day sunlight, which can cause the leaves to burn. In colder months, lady slipper plants need less sun and should be shielded from temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid frost damage.

pruning

Lady slipper plants (Cypripedium kentuckiense) shouldn't be pruned too severely or too often. Pruning should be done lightly, once a year in early summer or late spring, when the plant is actively growing. Pruning should focus on removing dead foliage, thinning overgrown stems, and trimming back any misbehaving shoots that are invading other areas of the garden. Pinching off faded flower buds after blooming will help to encourage a more healthy plant and promote better flowering the following season.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Lady slipper typically starts flowering in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Lady slipper typically starts flowering in May or June.

Hardiness Map