Cypripedium formosanum
Formosan lady's slipper orchid
A small, hardy orchid reaching a height of around 10cm. Two apical, ovate to round plicate leaves are produced which have veins that radiate outwards likea fan. The long, slender stem produces a whitish flower with flecks of light to dark pink in the spring.
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter | Pink Red White | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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
- C Taiwan
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist, fertile, leafy, humus-rich slightly alkaline soil in a sheltered site with dappled or partial shade - ideally with some morning sunshine. 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
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Flower borders and beds
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.