Cypripedium orchids

Cypripedium is the northern "lady's slipper" orchid, with about fifty species native to cool temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. Unlike the tropical slipper orchids (Paphiopedilum, Phragmipedium, Selenipedium), Cypripediums are fully hardy terrestrial perennials that die back to underground rhizomes in winter and re-emerge in spring to bloom.

The genus is prized by specialist garden growers who have mastered its demanding requirements. Cypripediums will not grow in pots long-term; they want a cool, moist, well-aerated woodland soil and a proper winter dormancy. Many species are protected in the wild, so all ethical commercial supply comes from seed-raised or laboratory-divided stock.

General care for the genus (species, hybrids and cultivars vary, so check with the grower for a specific plant): outdoor garden growing in temperate climates (USDA zones 3 to 7 for most species), part shade, moist humus-rich well-drained soil, cold winter dormancy (below 5 °C for at least ten weeks). Mulch over winter in exposed sites.

Species include Cypripedium reginae (the showy lady's slipper, Minnesota's state flower), Cypripedium acaule (the pink lady's slipper, notoriously difficult in cultivation), Cypripedium calceolus (the European yellow lady's slipper), and Cypripedium parviflorum. Complex hardy hybrids like the "Gisela" series bloom reliably in appropriate gardens. Listings below come from the nurseries we index, most of them re-checked nightly; prices are shown in USD.