Cypripedium formosanum
Lady's slipper orchid, Pink lady slipper orchid, Moccasin flower, Nerve root
- Height × spread
- 0.25m × 0.2m
- Position
- Tolerates part shade, likes light shade
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Spring
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A dainty orchid that is arranged like a posy. The pleated leaves open as an encircling cone around the light pink pouched slipper. The petals to the rear spread widely as though counterbalancing the pouch. This terrestrial orchid (i.e. it grows on its own roots) comes from mountain areas and likes cool positions. It likes a partly or fully shaded position with rich soil full of decayed organic matter. It is suited to pot culture and can take light frost. This orchid is rare and is a protected species. It should never be removed from the wild.
- Flower colour
- Pink
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 0.25m
- Spread
- 0.2m
- Season of interest
- Spring
- Flowers in
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Indoors, Exotic garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Tolerates part shade, likes light shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Alkaline
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Hazards
- Yes, potentially harmful; Humans: Skin allergen
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Feed with orchid feed
Give a half strength standard orchid feed every fortnight while the plant is in growth.
For specialist feeding, you can buy a group of orchid feeds. Apply a high nitrogen feed in spring as the plant is coming into growth, a balanced feed during growth, and a high potash feed in autumn.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.