Overview
Cypripedium arietinum is a orchid in the genus Cypripedium, part of the Orchid family. Cypripedium arietinum grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and acidic pH. It is native to Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan.
About
Cypripedium arietinum is a terrestrial orchid, the ram's-head slipper orchid, belonging to the genus Cypripedium in the Orchid family. It flowers from May to July. Native to parts of Canada — Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan — it prefers shaded, sheltered sites. The plant favours moist, acidic, sandy, well-drained soil on north or east aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cypripedium arietinum
About the genus
Cypripedium is a genus of 58 species and nothospecies of hardy orchids; it is one of five genera that together compose the subfamily of lady's slipper orchids (Cypripedioideae). They are widespread across much of the Northern Hemisphere, including most of Europe and Africa (Algeria), Russia, China, Central Asia, Canada the United States, Mexico, and Central America.
Wikipedia contributors, "Cypripedium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cypripedium
In the garden
Cypripedium arietinum is a terrestrial Orchid known in cultivation as the ram's-head slipper orchid and is native to Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan. It sits in the genus Cypripedium and produces its flowers between May and July. Use its native preferences to guide siting rather than relying on open sun. Choose a sheltered location on a north- or east-facing aspect in partial shade to shade and avoid exposed, wind-blasted sites. Plant into an acidic, sandy, well-drained medium that remains consistently moist rather than waterlogged; mixing coarse sand or grit with ericaceous leaf mould will help achieve the required drainage and acidity while retaining moisture at the root zone. The plant’s needs are specific: partial shade, north/east aspect, and a moist but freely draining, sandy acidic soil. In a UK garden it is best sited where those conditions can be provided year-round, for example under the canopy of larger shrubs or in a shaded bed kept free of competitive ground cover. Expect flowers to appear in the late spring to early summer window of May to July, and position the plant so its flowering period can be observed at close range.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cypripedium
- Sunlight
- partial shade, shade
- Soil type
- sandy, well-drained, acidic
- Soil pH
- acidic
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- north, east
- Exposure
- sheltered
Plant details
Cypripedium arietinum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Orchid
- Native to
- Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cypripedium arietinum
- Cultivation
- Requires cool, shaded conditions with moist, well-drained acidic soil; avoid disturbance of roots
- Propagation
- seed, division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Cypripedium arietinum?
Requires cool, shaded conditions with moist, well-drained acidic soil; avoid disturbance of roots.
Where is the best place to plant Cypripedium arietinum?
Cypripedium arietinum prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cypripedium arietinum need?
Cypripedium arietinum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, well-drained and acidic. It prefers acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I propagate Cypripedium arietinum?
Seed, division.
