The Story
Plant Bio
Cypripedium sabine, commonly known as Sabine's Lady's Slipper, is a terrestrial orchid known for its striking yellow flowers and unique slipper-shaped petals.
This species thrives in moist, wooded areas and is notable for its symbiotic relationship with fungi to aid in nutrient absorption.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
12 inches
Width
6 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5
Water
Consistent moisture
Humidity
High humidity preferred
Lifespan
Decades
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Late spring – Early summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds in a shaded, moist area with rich, well-draining soil.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and promote rooting.
- Plant in partial shade with protection from harsh afternoon sun.
- Water consistently, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring for propagation.
Pro Tip
Use a mix of organic matter and ensure good drainage for optimal growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Keep soil moist but not soggy 🌱
- Provide dappled shade during hot summer days
- Apply mulch to retain soil moisture
- Monitor for pests regularly
- Use organic fertilizers to nourish roots
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to direct, harsh sunlight
- Refrain from disturbing roots during dormancy
- Never forget to remove dead or damaged leaves
- Avoid using chemical pesticides without proper guidance
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
Companion Plants
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 4–5. 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?
Yes — Sabine's Lady's Slipper is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
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.
More Cypripedium to compare
Small Yellow Lady's Slipper
Cypripedium parviflorum 'var parviflorum'
Showy Lady's Slipper
Cypripedium reginae
Lady's Slipper Orchid Hybrid Emil
Cypripedium x hybrida 'Emil'
Gabriela's Lady's Slipper
Cypripedium x gabrieleae 'Gabriela'
Large-flowered Lady's Slipper
Cypripedium macranthos
Yellow Lady's Slipper
Cypripedium parviflorum var pubescens
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Sabine's 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.