perennial

Large-flowered Lady's Slipper

Cypripedium macranthos

The Story

Plant Bio

Cypripedium macranthos, known as the Large-flowered Cypripedium, is a deciduous orchid with broad, pleated leaves and striking, large, white to pinkish flowers featuring prominent slipper-shaped pouches.

The 'hotei-atsumorianum' cultivar is distinguished by its particularly robust flowers with deeper pink hues and enhanced floral size, making it a notable ornamental variety.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesAdds delicate beauty and fragrance to shaded gardens, creating a woodland fairy-tale atmosphere.
Practical UsesProvides a natural ground cover in shaded areas, suppressing weeds.
Ecological BenefitsSupports native pollinators and maintains woodland biodiversity.

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, well-drained soil

Humidity

Prefers high humidity environments

Lifespan

10+ years

Native To

East Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Late spring

J
F
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M
J
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In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds lightly into moist, well-draining soil in early spring.
  2. Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity during rooting.
  3. Plant in shaded or partially shaded areas with rich, loamy soil.
  4. Water consistently to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
  5. Apply a layer of organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  6. Divide mature clumps every 3–4 years in early spring.

Pro Tip

Ensure shaded location with rich, well-draining soil for healthy growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
  • Provide shade during hot summer months
  • Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature

Don't

  • Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves ❌
  • Do not let soil dry out completely
  • Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils

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 borderVictorian garden featureFragrant shaded pathway

Companion Plants

Ferns Hostas Astilbes Heucheras

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.

Keep exploring

Grow Large-flowered Lady's Slipper 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.