Cypripedium henryi
Henry's Hardy Ladyslipper Orchid
Item #: 12669
Zones: 6a to 7b, guessing
Dormancy: Winter, Fall
Height: 18" tall
Origin: China
Pot Size: 3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)
(aka: Cypripedium sinensis) We've longed to offer Cypripedium henryi, but waiting eight years for seed propagated plants to reach flower size is an exercise in patience. Cypripedium henryi is a small-growing ladyslipper orchid from Central to Southern China (Gansu, Guizhou, Hubei, Shaanxi, Sichuan, and Yunnan), where it inhabits moist, organic, alkaline soils from 2,500' - 7,500' elevation. When happy in the garden, the 18" tall Cypripedium henryi offsets nicely, topped in early spring with multi-flowered stalks, each with 2-4 small, yellow, pouch-shaped flowers. We've seen others rate the hardiness of Cypripedium henryi as Zone 2-9, but we've opted for the more conservative Zone 6-7 until we have more trustworthy data.
Planting your Cypripedium orchid.
Maintenance:
Lady slipper orchids are maintenance free in the garden once they are established in the correct growing conditions.
Growing Conditions:
Cypripedium prefer soils that are very well drained, and rich in compost. In containers, we like to add Permatill (popped slate) or a Pumice like product. Average moisture levels are great, but be certain soils do not remain waterlogged.
Lady slipper orchids are woodland plants, and most species do not have any sun tolerance. We have found that light, high shade is ideal.
Planting is critical, as roots must be spread horizontally just below the soil surface and not stuck deep in the ground as is the case with virtually all other plants. The growth bud should be planted just below the soil surface.
Natural Impacts:
Bees are the primary pollinators for lady slipper orchids, since orchids have a complex pollination mechanism built into the flowers.
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Other Attributes
Genus: Cypripedium
Flower Color: Multicolor , Yellow/Gold
Leaf Color: Green
Bloom Time: Spring
Container Role: Thrillers
Garden Themes: Cottage Garden Plants , Rock Garden Plants
Other: Cut Flower Plants , Georgia native plants , Pollinator Plants , Medicinal Plants , Plants from China , Wet Shade Plants