Cypripedium x hybrida 'Ivory'
perennial

Lady's Slipper Orchid Ivory

Cypripedium x hybrida 'Ivory'

The Story

Plant Bio

Cypripedium x hybrida 'Ivory' is a deciduous perennial orchid featuring elegant, slipper-shaped flowers with creamy white petals and a distinctive pouch, complemented by lance-shaped green foliage.

This cultivar is celebrated for its striking ivory-colored flowers and its adaptability to shaded garden environments, making it a popular choice among orchid enthusiasts.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesAdds delicate elegance and woodland charm to shaded gardens
Practical UsesProvides habitat for pollinators and beneficial insects
Ecological BenefitsSupports native woodland ecosystems and soil health
Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

15 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moist

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Many years with proper care

Native To

Hybrid origin

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck rhizomes 1-2 inches deep into rich, moist soil in shaded areas
  2. Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
  3. Mist foliage during dry periods to maintain humidity
  4. Apply mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
  5. Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring or fall
  6. Use organic fertilizer in early spring for healthy growth

Pro Tip

Ensure shaded, moist soil and avoid disturbance during flowering

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
  • Provide shaded environment
  • Mulch to retain moisture

Don't

  • Avoid direct sunlight ❌
  • Don’t let soil dry out completely
  • Avoid heavy, waterlogged soil

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland borderMoist shady garden corner

Companion Plants

Ferns Hostas Astilbes Trilliums

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lady's Slipper Orchid Ivory questions

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

Lady's Slipper Orchid Ivory is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Lady's Slipper Orchid Ivory deer resistant?

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

When does Lady's Slipper Orchid Ivory bloom?

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

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

Keep exploring

Grow Lady's Slipper Orchid Ivory with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.