perennial

Tibetan Lady's Slipper Orchid

The Story

Plant Bio

Cypripedium tibeticum is a deciduous orchid with upright, lance-shaped leaves and distinctive slipper-shaped flowers that display a striking combination of deep purple and white hues, blooming in spring.

This species is notable for its resilience in alpine and rocky environments and its unique, vividly colored flowers that are highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts.

Uses & Benefits:

Adds unique, exotic appeal to shaded gardens with its striking slipper-shaped flowers.

Requires minimal fertilization and can thrive in shaded, moist environments.

Supports native pollinators by attracting specialized orchid pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

8 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6

Water

Consistently moist

Humidity

High humidity preferred

Lifespan

10+ years

Native To

Tibet and Himalayan regions

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into moist, well-draining soil in shaded area
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity
Transplant in early spring after dormancy
Fertilize lightly with orchid-specific fertilizer monthly
Mulch with organic material to retain moisture
Divide clumps every 3–4 years for healthy growth

Pro Tip

Use shaded, moist, and well-drained soil; avoid direct sunlight

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain consistently moist soil 🌱
Provide shaded environment
Use orchid fertilizer monthly

Don't

Avoid direct sunlight ❌
Do not let soil dry out completely
Avoid heavy, clay soils

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland borderExotic garden accent

Companion Plants

Fern species Hostas Astilbes Japanese painted fern

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tibetan Lady's Slipper Orchid questions

What zones can Tibetan Lady's Slipper Orchid grow in?

Tibetan Lady's Slipper Orchid is hardy in USDA Zones 4–6. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Tibetan Lady's Slipper Orchid deer resistant?

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

When does Tibetan Lady's Slipper Orchid bloom?

Tibetan Lady's Slipper Orchid 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 Tibetan Lady's Slipper Orchid need full sun?

Tibetan Lady's Slipper Orchid does best in part shade.