Cypripedium parviflorum var. parviflorum - Lady Slipper Orchid

Cypripedium parviflorum var. parviflorum is a botanical subspecies of Lady's Slipper Orchid widely spread in the United States. This terrestrial orchid offers a flower similar to Cypripedium parviflorum pubescens, but smaller and less hairy. It is characteristic of the species, with a swollen lemon yellow or intense yellow lip, marked with reddish spots on the inside and twisted, more or less dark brown-red petals. Despite appearances, it is quite easy to grow and is a robust and hardy plant, suitable for borders or pots.

Cypripedium parviflorum is a widely spread North American orchid that is morphologically very similar to the European species Cypripedium calceolus. It is found from Alaska to Arizona and Georgia. It often grows on the edge of moist forests with rich soils. Cypripedium parviflorum var. parviflorum is a subspecies that is distinguished by smaller and less hairy flowers and is found in the southernmost areas of the species' range, from eastern Nebraska and Oklahoma to eastern Virginia and New Hampshire.

Cypripedium parviflorum var. parviflorum has a perennial sucker-forming rootstock. Its thick underground rhizome elongates and divides over the years, allowing the plant to spread in colonies. Its roots penetrate deeply into the soil. They are mycorrhizal, meaning they live in symbiosis with specific fungi. The deciduous vegetation is absent in winter and emerges from the ground between April and May. This Cypripedium forms small clumps of 2 to 6 leafy shoots reaching between 30 and 50 cm high. Each hairy shoot bears 3 to 5 broadly ovate, light green leaves, sheathing at the base, marked by strong parallel veins and slightly hairy on the underside. Flowering occurs between May and July, earlier or later depending on the climate and the year. Each individual produces only one or two flowers, in the axils of bracts. Each flower can measure up to 10 cm wide and consists of 3 sepals and 3 petals. These tepals are elongated, tapered, lanceolate in shape, slightly twisted. Their greenish-yellow colour is streaked with brown-red. The swollen lip, in the shape of a 'slipper', measures between 3 and 6 cm long. It is lemon yellow with reddish-brown spots on the inside. The fruit is a capsule that can persist on the plant for a year.

Cypripedium parviflorum var. parviflorum thrives in partial shade, in moist, well-drained soil, rich in humus. It is indifferent to soil pH. It thrives best on the edge of the forest, preferring a light soil that retains some moisture without being waterlogged. Plant it in a location that receives not too intense shade, in a moist  rockery, an ideal habitat that allows it to thrive and decorate your garden with its unique presence. Accompany it with a simple fern like Polypodium vulgare along with Trilliums and Lamium orvala. It also thrives in containers and unheated greenhouses. It is a plant that dislikes heat, drought, and strong winds.

When you receive your orchids, handle them with care: these plants produce few roots and are delicate!