Overview
Cypripedium calceolus is a orchid in the genus Cypripedium, part of the Orchid family. Cypripedium calceolus grows best in partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and humus-rich soil soils and neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is native to Europe to Japan.
About
Cypripedium calceolus is an orchid that flowers in the UK from May to July. Native from Europe to Japan, it prefers sheltered, north- or east-facing positions in partial shade. It requires moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH and is rated H5 (hardy) for UK conditions. It is a skin allergen, so wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cypripedium calceolus
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 calceolus is a temperate orchid native across Europe to Japan and produces its flowers in the UK between May and July. As a species suited to cooler, sheltered microclimates, it performs best where direct sun is limited and sudden exposure is avoided. Give this plant a north- or east-facing location in partial shade with a sheltered aspect. Use a humus-rich, well-drained soil and aim for a neutral to slightly alkaline pH; the soil should remain moist but never waterlogged. Good organic structure in the soil helps retain even moisture while allowing excess water to drain away. In a UK garden it sits well at the back of a shaded border, beneath a light canopy or beside a sheltered path where conditions match its preference for cool, moist rooting conditions. Its H5 rating denotes that it is hardy in UK gardens when sited out of prevailing winds and frost pockets. Take care when handling plants: Cypripedium calceolus is a skin allergen, so always wear gloves and other protective equipment when planting, dividing or inspecting shoots to avoid contact reactions.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cypripedium
- Sunlight
- partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, humus-rich soil
- Soil pH
- neutral to slightly alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- north or east-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Cypripedium calceolus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Orchid
- Native to
- Europe to Japan
- Toxicity
- Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cypripedium calceolus
- Cultivation
- Requires shaded, sheltered conditions with humus-rich, well-drained soil. Avoid waterlogging. Protect from strong winds.
- Propagation
- Seed or division, but difficult; often propagated by specialists
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Cypripedium calceolus?
Requires shaded, sheltered conditions with humus-rich, well-drained soil. Avoid waterlogging. Protect from strong winds.
Where is the best place to plant Cypripedium calceolus?
Cypripedium calceolus prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cypripedium calceolus need?
Cypripedium calceolus grows best in well-drained and humus-rich soil soil. It prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Cypripedium calceolus hardy in the UK?
Cypripedium calceolus has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Cypripedium calceolus?
Seed or division, but difficult; often propagated by specialists.
Is Cypripedium calceolus toxic?
Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
