Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens
downy small-flowered lady's slipper orchid
Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens is a hardy orchid, to around 35cm tall, with pointed, oval leaves that have fine hairs and prominent veins. The flowers, produced in late spring, have twisted green and brown petals and a large, lemon-yellow pouch with red spots in the throat
Other common names
American valerianducks
see morelarge yellow lady's slipper
nerve root
Noah's Ark
umbel
whip-poor-Will's shoes
yellow moccasin-flower
Synonyms
Cypripedium 'Pueblo'Cypripedium pubescens
see moreCypripedium pubescens var. parviflorum
Cypripedium luteum
Cypripedium calceolus var. pubescens
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown Green Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Cypripedium are terrestrial orchids with slender rhizomes and soft fan-shaped leaves, spirally arranged or in opposite pairs. Flowers are born in racemes of up to 12 flowers during summer have white, pink, red or purple tepals and a yellow, white, pink or purple pouch
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Subartic America to USA
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist, fertile, leafy, humus-rich soil in a sheltered site with dappled or partial shade. Provide an annual winter mulch of leaf mould
Propagation
Propagate by division in early or mid-spring and replant immediately. Some of the soil from the root ball, which contains beneficial fungi, should be planted with each division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
No pruning required, allow foliage to die down naturally
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs
Diseases
May be susceptible to grey moulds
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.