perennial

Large-flowered Lady's Slipper

Cypripedium macranthos

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

12 inches

Width

8 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Consistently moist but well-drained

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Many years

Native To

East Asia

Toxicity

Can cause skin irritation

The Story

Plant Bio

Cypripedium macranthos, commonly known as the large-flowered lady's slipper, is a deciduous orchid distinguished by its stout stem, broad leaves, and large, showy flowers with a distinctive slipper-shaped pouch in shades of pink and white. This species is prized for its striking floral display and its ability to adapt to woodland garden settings, thriving in shaded, well-drained soils with high organic matter.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Adds delicate elegance to shaded gardens with its striking slipper-shaped flowers.

Prefers shaded, moist environments, reducing the need for excessive watering.

Supports native pollinators attracted to its flowers.

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck rhizomes into a shaded, well-drained spot in early spring
Mist cuttings lightly every few days for root development
Water regularly but avoid waterlogging during active growth
Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring
Mulch with organic matter to retain moisture and regulate temperature
Divide plants in late fall after flowering for propagation

Pro Tip

Ensure shaded environment with moist, well-drained soil for best growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Tuck rhizomes into shaded, moist soil 🌱
Mist cuttings regularly to encourage root growth
Fertilize lightly in spring to promote flowering

Don't

Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves ❌
Do not overwater, as roots can rot
Refrain from disturbing dormancy period

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland borderElegant shaded rock garden

Companion Plants

Ferns Hostas Astilbes Trilliums

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Large-flowered Lady's Slipper questions

What zones can Large-flowered Lady's Slipper grow in?

Large-flowered 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 Large-flowered Lady's Slipper deer resistant?

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

When does Large-flowered Lady's Slipper bloom?

Large-flowered 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 Large-flowered Lady's Slipper need full sun?

Large-flowered Lady's Slipper does best in part shade.