Overview
Cypripedium montanum is a orchid in the genus Cypripedium, part of the Orchid family. Cypripedium montanum grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loamy and well-drained soils and neutral to slightly acidic pH. It is native to Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
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 montanum is a member of the lady's slipper orchids native to Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. It produces its blooms between May and July and suits locations where light is limited to partial shade rather than direct sun. The combination of north or east aspect and a sheltered exposure helps protect developing shoots and flowers from drying winds. Plant into a deep, loamy, well-drained medium that retains moisture without waterlogging; a neutral to slightly acidic pH is preferred. Keep the soil consistently moist through the growing season: the species does not tolerate prolonged drought but also needs good drainage to avoid stagnant water around the roots. Siting is important — choose a protected bed or the shaded edge of a border where rainfall and organic matter maintain steady moisture levels. In UK gardens it performs best in cool, shaded corners where it can receive morning sun or dappled light from an easterly aspect. Use it where sheltered conditions and moist, neutral-to-acid soil can be provided, for example beneath the light canopy of shade-tolerant trees or at the back of a shaded mixed border. Expect flowers in late spring to mid-summer and protect the crown from drying sun while buds develop.
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 montanum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Orchid
- Native to
- Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cypripedium montanum
- Propagation
- seed, division
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cypripedium montanum?
Cypripedium montanum prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cypripedium montanum need?
Cypripedium montanum 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 montanum?
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 californicumCalifornia lady's slipper
- Cypripedium candidumwhite lady's slipper
- Cypripedium parviflorumslipper root
- Cypripedium pubescensYellow Lady's Slipper
- Cypripedium reginaeshowy lady's slipper orchid
- Cypripedium tibeticumLady's Slipper Orchid
