Species

perennialN. America Native

Hank Small Lady's Slipper

The Story

Plant Bio

Cypripedium reginae, commonly known as the Showy Lady's Slipper, is a perennial orchid native to North America. It features large, showy flowers and has a preference for shaded and semi-shaded areas with high moisture.

The cultivar 'Hank Small' is notable for its compact size and abundant flowering, making it a sought-after variety among orchid enthusiasts.

Uses & Benefits:

Cypripedium reginae Hank Small offers striking white flowers that add elegance to shaded gardens, attracting admiration and enhancing natural woodland aesthetics.

Provides natural ground cover that suppresses weeds in shaded areas, reducing garden maintenance.

Supports native pollinators and contributes to woodland biodiversity.

SpeciesCypripedium reginaeShowy Lady's Slipper

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

12 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6

Water

Consistently moist

Humidity

High humidity preferred

Lifespan

Decades with proper care

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into moist, well-draining soil in early spring.
Mist the foliage regularly to maintain humidity levels.
Transplant seedlings after they develop strong roots, typically in late spring.
Apply a layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during active growth in spring and summer.
Prune dead or damaged leaves in late fall to promote healthy growth.

Pro Tip

Use a shaded area with rich, well-draining soil and consistent moisture for best results.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain consistent soil moisture 🌱
Provide dappled shade to mimic natural woodland conditions
Use organic mulch to retain soil humidity
Fertilize lightly during active growth
Prune dead leaves in late fall

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Do not expose to direct, harsh sunlight
Avoid disturbing roots during dormancy
Do not fertilize with high nitrogen in late fall
Avoid dry, sandy soils

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Woodland shaded borderFragrant garden bedNaturalistic shaded garden

Companion Plants

Ferns Hostas Astilbes Trilliums Solomon's Seal

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hank Small Lady's Slipper questions

What zones can Hank Small Lady's Slipper grow in?

Hank Small Lady's Slipper 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 Hank Small Lady's Slipper deer resistant?

Yes — Hank Small Lady's Slipper is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Hank Small Lady's Slipper bloom?

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

Does Hank Small Lady's Slipper need full sun?

Hank Small Lady's Slipper does best in part shade.