Overview
Cypripedium californicum is a orchid in the genus Cypripedium, part of the Orchid family. Cypripedium californicum grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loamy and well-drained soils and neutral to slightly acidic pH. It is native to western United States.
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 californicum is a species of lady's slipper orchid from the western United States. As a Cypripedium it belongs to the orchid family and is valued for its spring–summer flowering display; plants produce blooms between May and July. Give this orchid partial shade on a sheltered, north- or east-facing aspect where it will not be exposed to strong sun or drying winds. It prefers loamy, well-drained soil that remains moist and leans neutral to slightly acidic in pH. Planting in a position with steady moisture rather than waterlogging will suit its needs; avoid exposed, south-facing sites. In a UK garden place Cypripedium californicum in a cool, shaded border or a sheltered woodland garden bed where soil remains consistently damp but drains freely. It sits well alongside other shade-tolerant perennials and bulbs in a layered planting scheme. Expect flowers from May to July once plants are established, and protect young crowns from severe exposure while they become settled.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cypripedium
- Sunlight
- partial shade
- Soil type
- loamy, well-drained
- Soil pH
- neutral to slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- north, east
- Exposure
- sheltered
Plant details
Cypripedium californicum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Orchid
- Native to
- western United States
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cypripedium californicum
- Propagation
- seed, division
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cypripedium californicum?
Cypripedium californicum prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cypripedium californicum need?
Cypripedium californicum grows best in loamy and well-drained soil. It prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I propagate Cypripedium californicum?
Seed, division.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Cypripedium genus
- Cypripedium arietinumram's-head slipper orchid
- Cypripedium calceolusyellow lady's slipper orchid
- Cypripedium candidumwhite lady's slipper
- Cypripedium montanumLarge Lady's Slipper, Mountain Lady's Slipper, White Lady's Slipper
- Cypripedium parviflorumslipper root
- Cypripedium pubescensYellow Lady's Slipper
- Cypripedium reginaeshowy lady's slipper orchid
- Cypripedium tibeticumLady's Slipper Orchid
