Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

5 other cultivars

perennial RHS Award

Sabine's Lady's Slipper

Cypripedium x hybrida 'Sabine'

The Story

Plant Bio

Cypripedium species, commonly known as lady's slipper orchids, are terrestrial deciduous perennials characterized by their distinctive pouch-like flowers and pleated foliage. These woodland plants grow from subterranean rhizomes and rely on specialized mycorrhizal fungi in the soil to thrive.

'Sabine' is a robust horticultural hybrid bred from a cross between Cypripedium fasciolatum and Cypripedium macranthos. It produces exceptionally large, egg-sized pouches of ivory-white to light pink, detailed with deep pink or purple striping and surrounded by cream-colored sepals.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces exceptionally large, striking slipper-shaped flowers that serve as a dramatic focal point in shaded garden beds.

Extremely cold-hardy, reliably returning year after year in northern climates when provided with proper drainage.

Supports generalized local insect pollinators capable of navigating the trap-like pouch structure.

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

20"

Width

18"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived perennial

Native To

None (cultivated hybrid)

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with light or partial shade, ideally receiving cool morning sun and protection from hot afternoon rays.
Prepare a highly aerated, humus-rich bed mixed with mineral substrates like sand, crushed clay pebbles, or lava stone to ensure excellent drainage.
Spread the fleshy roots horizontally and cover the rhizome with only two to three inches of soil, keeping the growth eyes near the surface.
Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent, even moisture throughout the growing season, never allowing the soil to dry out completely.

Pro Tip

Plant the rhizomes shallowly, only two to three inches deep, spreading the roots horizontally over a highly aerated, mineral-rich base rather than burying them in heavy potting soil.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Mulch annually in winter with a thin layer of leaf mold or compost to protect the shallow rhizomes.
Use a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer sparingly in early spring.
Wear gloves when handling the plant to avoid skin irritation from glandular hairs.

Don't

Do not cut back green foliage during summer; allow the leaves to die back naturally in fall.
Never let the plant sit in stagnant water or heavy, waterlogged soil, especially during winter dormancy.
Avoid using harsh chemical salt fertilizers, which damage the sensitive root system.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Woodland GardenShade BorderRock GardenSpecimen Planting

Companion Plants

Hosta Epimedium Trillium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sabine's Lady's Slipper questions

What zones can Sabine's Lady's Slipper grow in?

Sabine's Lady's Slipper 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 Sabine's Lady's Slipper deer resistant?

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

When does Sabine's Lady's Slipper bloom?

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

Does Sabine's Lady's Slipper need full sun?

Sabine's Lady's Slipper does best in part shade.