Cypripedium reginae Alba - Lady Slipper Orchid

Cypripedium reginae 'Alba' is a very beautiful form of the Royal Lady's Slipper Orchid. Its flowers feature sepals and petals of pure white, almost translucent, giving the flower an almost unreal appearance, as if it were floating above the foliage. Where it thrives, this spectacular perennial plant slowly spreads in clumps, producing a few large flowers in early summer. Like many orchids, it thrives when its habitat is meticulously recreated.

The Cypripedium reginae, or Royal Lady's Slipper Orchid, is native to the eastern part of North America. It primarily grows in moist habitats in cool temperate regions. This species prefers bogs, marshes, and lake shores but also adapts well to the dappled shade of deciduous or coniferous forests. A limestone substrate is ideal. Hardy down to -30 °C, this Cypripedium does not tolerate drought or dense shade well. It appreciates cold winters and not overly hot summers.

The Cypripedium is a deciduous herbaceous perennial plant, with its vegetation emerging from the ground quite late in spring (usually in May) and disappearing in winter. It forms a clump of stems with large, bright green ovate to elliptical leaves with prominent parallel veins. In the wild, Cypripedium reginae 'Alba' can reach up to 1 m in height. In our climates, it reaches 50 to 70 cm in height. Flowering usually occurs between late May and early July, although it may be absent in some years and occurs when the plant is at least 4 or 5 years old. The sturdy and robust flower stem grows directly from a large cylindrical rhizome. It is covered with leaves to the top. Each stem produces 1 or 2 flowers, rarely 3 or 4. The flowers, measuring 10 cm in diameter, have the characteristic shape, with white sepals and petals dominating an imposing white "slipper" lip. The entire plant is covered in a fine down that can cause allergies and skin irritation. These urticating hairs host a fungus. During winter, the foliage disappears, and the plant persists as a rhizome.

Cypripedium reginae 'Alba' is demanding when it comes to its habitat, but if the conditions are met, it will be a true attraction for cool areas of the garden and the pride of the gardener who has successfully acclimated it. It thrives in light woodland or woodland edges, near water sources, in partial shade, and in carefully prepared soil. It pairs well with ferns, Trillium, hostas, and Rodgersias.

Our Cypripediums are sold in 11 cm pots to bloom in the first year of planting.

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