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Collector's item

Cypripedium reginae

Cypripedium reginae
Showy Lady's Slipper, Pink-and-white Lady's-slipper, Queen's Lady's-slipper

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1 reviews
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on 3 plantlings (calceolus, reginae, and another) Only 1 provided enough strength for recovery: I sent a photo of the weakest one but no compensation proposal was made...

Daniel, 23/07/2020

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This plant carries a 12 months recovery warranty

More information

Graden Merit
This terrestrial orchid is a spectacular and very hardy plant. Where it thrives, it spreads in clumps, from which emerge in May-June a few large white flowers displaying a swollen lip of pale pink to magenta in the shape of a slipper. To be planted in partial shade, in humus-rich, light, well-drained soil, remaining slightly moist throughout the growth and flowering period, but not waterlogged in winter.
Flower size
10 cm
Height at maturity
70 cm
Spread at maturity
40 cm
Exposure
Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -34°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March to April
Recommended planting time March to June
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Flowering time June to July
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Description

Cypripedium reginaealso known as the Royal Lady's Slipper, is part of a group of terrestrial orchids called Venus's Slippers due to the 'slipper' shape of their lip. This magnificent species, very hardy, is the largest and most spectacular orchid in North America. Where it thrives, this perennial plant slowly spreads in clumps, from which emerge in early summer a few large white flowers displaying a beautiful pale pink to magenta lip. Like many orchids, it thrives when its habitat is meticulously recreated. 

The Royal Lady's Slipper is native to the entire Eastern region of North America. It primarily grows in wet habitats in cool temperate regions. This species favours bogs, marshes, and lake shores, but also adapts well to dappled shade in deciduous or coniferous forests. A limestone substrate is ideal. Hardy down to -30 °C, this Cypripedium tolerates drought and dense shade very poorly. It appreciates cold winters and not too hot summers.

Cypripedium is a deciduous herbaceous perennial, with vegetation emerging from the ground relatively late in spring (usually May) and disappearing in winter. It forms a clump of stems with large bright green leaves, oval to elliptical, with very pronounced parallel veins.  In nature, it can reach up to 1m (3ft) in height. In our climates, it will reach 50 to 70cm (20 to 28in) in height. Flowering generally occurs between late May and early July, it is sometimes absent in certain years, and occurs when the plant is at least 4 or 5 years old. The strong and robust flower stem develops directly from a very large cylindrical rhizome. It is provided with leaves up to the top. Each stem produces 1 or 2 flowers, rarely 3 or 4. The flowers, 10cm (4in) in diameter, have the characteristic shape of Cypripedium flowers, composed of white sepals and petals dominating an imposing lip in "slipper" shape, very swollen, pale pink to magenta in colour depending on the plants. The entire vegetation is covered with a fine down that can be allergenic and irritating to the skin. These urticating hairs host a fungus. During winter, the foliage disappears and the plant persists in the form of a rhizome. 

Cypripedium reginae is demanding in terms of its habitat, but if the conditions are met, it will be a real attraction for the cool areas of the garden and the gardener's pride who managed to acclimatize it. It should be planted in light shade or at the edge of the shade, by the water's edge, in a carefully prepared substrate. It pairs well with ferns, CypripediumTrilliumhostasRodgersias

Our Cypripediums are sold in 11cm (4in) pots so they can flower as early as the first year of planting.

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

Cypripedium reginae in pictures

Cypripedium reginae (Flowering) Flowering
Cypripedium reginae (Foliage) Foliage

Flowering

Flower colour pink
Flowering time June to July
Flower size 10 cm
Flowering description White and pale pink slipper.

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour medium green
Foliage description Deciduous.

Plant habit

Height at maturity 70 cm
Spread at maturity 40 cm
Growth rate slow

Botanical data

Genus

Cypripedium

Species

reginae

Family

Orchidaceae

Other common names

Showy Lady's Slipper, Pink-and-white Lady's-slipper, Queen's Lady's-slipper

Origin

North America

Product reference8159111

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Planting and care

Cypripedium reginae adapts well in regions with cold winters and not too hot summers, with regular rainfall. This species prefers cool to moist soils, with a tendency towards neutral to slightly calcareous. Cypripediums are the hardiest perennial orchids, they can withstand severe cold and are not afraid of temperatures below -30°C (1°F), -40°C (1°F) under a snow cover. They thrive in well-drained, airy soils. If your soil is compact or clayey, it is necessary to create a planting pocket. Dig a pit of about 40cm (16in) for each young plant, cover the bottom with a layer of drainage (lava rock or fine gravel) and fill it with the following mixture: 50% sand, perlite or lava rock, the other half composed of garden soil mixed with finely ground pine bark, compost based on leaf soil or coconut fibres. Cypripedium rhizomes should not dry out in summer and should not be submerged in winter. In the garden, place Cypripedium reginae in a cool, semi-shaded location. Avoid dense shade or, on the contrary, direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day.

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Planting period

Best planting time March to April
Recommended planting time March to June

Intended location

Suitable for Shaded rockery, Woodland edge
Type of use Border
Hardiness Hardy down to -34°C (USDA zone 4) Show map
Ease of cultivation Experienced
Planting density 7 per m2
Exposure Partial shade
Soil pH Neutral, Calcareous
Soil type Chalky (poor, alkaline and well-drained), Stony (poor and well-drained)
Soil moisture Moist soil, Humus-bearing, light, well-drained

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
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