Garden Orchid Cypripedium Slipper Orchid

Now you can grow orchids in the garden, on your terrace or balcony!

Everybody recognizes the orchid, but did you know that there are varieties that you can grow in the garden?
Normally regarded as a houseplant, there are in fact other species that survive in almost all parts of the world, including those parts with moderate and heavy frost during the winter. Orchids that originate in these parts of the world are ideal for our UK gardens, terraces and balconies.

Introducing Cypripedium, the Queen of winter-hardy Orchids which can endure winter temperatures down to -25°C

One of the most spectacular winter-hardy Orchids is Cypripedium, also known as the Lady’s Slipper Orchid. Flowering from April until the end of June, the blooms are very special with a huge variation of colour from snow white to yellow, pink and purple to almost black. The size of the flowers can vary too from 1 to 10cm. These hybrid orchids are spectacular in form and shape and are not to be confused with the British natives which are strictly protected in the wild.

Becoming dormant when the weather begins to get colder, plants return in the spring with a glorious display of slipper-like flowers. Naturalising when happy, slipper orchids will get bigger, stronger and more beautiful year after year as long as you observe a few essential needs – otherwise they’re easy to grow and anybody can grow them with or without a garden!

During the summer Cypripedium develops new shoots underneath the soil and these shoots will go into hibernation during the winter and then re-emerge between April and June. The plant then grows relatively quickly, producing flowers within three to five weeks. Blooms last for three to six weeks.

Cypripedium will bring something special to every garden and always commands attention. Even in small gardens when planted in a terrace pot for example, spectacular results can be achieved that will get your gardening friends and family talking.

Cypripedium do best when planted in a shady place such as under trees or in a north facing area in the garden or in a large terrace pot. Make sure to position the pot in a shady place on your terrace or balcony. Garden Orchids are often planted with Hostas, winter hardy Ferns and maple (Acer) to provide shade.

Supplied as a single plant in a 12cm pot*

*Please note that plants are nursery grown and supplied in a random mixture of colours and we cannot guarantee the colour that you will receive.