Cypripedium formosanum

Sunset

Cypripedium formosanum

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Zones 5-9, 14-17, H2

Hardy Lady’s Slipper
Orchidaceae
Orchids and bromeliads

CYPRIPEDIUM

Native to woodlands and marshes of temperate northern hemisphere, South Asia, and Mexico, these deciduous terrrestrial orchids are related to and resemble the more commonly grown Paphiopedilium. They are probably the most cherished of truly hardy archids and the most challenging to grow; usually grown in a greenhouse or as houseplants that can be brought outdoors in warm weather. When purchasing, be sure that the plants were not collected from the wild, as native plant populations have been dangerously depleted by collectors.

Forms a clump of graceful, arching leaves from which rise perky blooms, usually one to a stem, occasionally two or more. Blooms resemble rounded slippers.

Cypripedium formosanum

From Taiwan. White or pale pink, 3-in. blooms are delicately stippled with darker pink, emerge from pairs of fan-like fluted leaves.