perennial

Shanxi Lady's Slipper

The Story

Plant Bio

A terrestrial, herbaceous perennial orchid, C. x shanxiense is a natural hybrid prized for its unique, slipper-shaped flowers. It forms a small clump of pleated green leaves from which the flower stems arise.

The flower features a prominent yellow to greenish-yellow pouch (labellum), often with fine red-brown spotting, contrasted by twisted, maroon to brownish-purple petals and sepals. It is considered more vigorous than some parent species.

Uses & Benefits:

Adds delicate, exotic beauty to shaded gardens with its unique flowers.

Prefers natural, moist environments, encouraging healthy soil ecosystems.

Supports native pollinators and woodland wildlife.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

10 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Consistently moist but well-drained

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

China

Toxicity

Can cause skin irritation upon contact

Bloom period

Late spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into moist acidic soil in early spring.
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
Provide partial shade with protection from harsh afternoon sun.
Mulch with organic matter to retain soil moisture.
Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring for propagation.
Mist cuttings or propagate via seed in a shaded, humid environment.

Pro Tip

Maintain consistently moist, acidic soil for best growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Provide partial shade to prevent leaf scorch
Mulch to conserve soil moisture
Divide clumps in early spring

Don't

Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
Don’t expose to full sun in hot climates
Avoid heavy, poorly drained soils

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland gardenMoist borderWildlife-friendly area

Companion Plants

Ferns Hostas Trilliums Solomon's seal Astilbes

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Shanxi Lady's Slipper questions

What zones can Shanxi Lady's Slipper grow in?

Shanxi Lady's Slipper is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Shanxi Lady's Slipper deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Shanxi Lady's Slipper, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Shanxi Lady's Slipper bloom?

Shanxi Lady's Slipper typically blooms in late spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Shanxi Lady's Slipper need full sun?

Shanxi Lady's Slipper does best in part shade.