Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens - Lady Slipper Orchid

Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens is a botanical species of Lady's Slipper Orchid widely spread in the United States. This terrestrial orchid produces a flower with a large swollen, lemon yellow lip, which sometimes has reddish spots on the inside and throat. The twisted petals above it are streaked with green and chocolate brown. Despite its appearance, it is quite easy to grow and is a robust and hardy plant, suitable for borders or pots.

Cypripedium parviflorum is a widely spread North American orchid that is morphologically very similar to the European species Cypripedium calceolus. It can be found from Alaska to Arizona and Georgia. It often grows on the edge of moist forests with rich soils. Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens is a subspecies that is distinguished by its larger flower and is also abundant in the United States, Canada, and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon.

Cypripedium parviflorum pubescens has a perennial sucker-forming rootstock. Its thick underground rhizome elongates and divides over the years, allowing the plant to spread in colonies. Its roots penetrate deeply into the soil. They are mycorrhizal, meaning they live in symbiosis with specific fungi. The deciduous vegetation emerges from the ground between April and May. This Cypripedium forms small clumps of 2 to 6 leafy shoots reaching between 30 and 50 cm high. Each hairy stem bears 3 to 5 light green leaves, sheathing at the base, broadly ovate, marked by strong parallel veins and slightly hairy on the underside. Flowering occurs between May and July, earlier or later depending on the climate and the year. Each individual produces only one or two flowers, in the axil of bracts. Each flower, which can measure up to 10 cm wide, consists of 3 sepals and 3 petals. These tepals are elongated, tapered, lanceolate in shape, slightly twisted. Their greenish-yellow colour is streaked with chocolate brown. The swollen lip, in the shape of a 'slipper', measures between 3 and 6.5 cm long. It is lemon yellow with reddish-brown spots on the inside. The fruit is a capsule that can remain on the plant for a year.

Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens thrives in partial shade, in moist, well-drained soil, rich in humus. It is indifferent to soil pH. It thrives best on the edge of the forest, preferring light soil that retains some moisture without being waterlogged. Plant it in a location with not too intense shade, in a cool rockery, an ideal habitat for it to thrive and decorate your garden with its unique presence. Accompany it with a simple fern like Polypodium vulgare along with Trilliums and Lamium orvala. It also thrives in containers and unheated greenhouses. It dislikes heat, drought, and strong winds.

When you receive your orchids, handle them with care: these plants produce few roots and are delicate!