Cypripedium formosanum (Formosan Ladys Slipper Orchid)

Cypripedium formosanum (Formosan Lady's Slipper Orchid) is a small, hardy orchid boasting two broad fan-like, pleated leaves that grow opposed to each other at the center of a smooth single stem. The slender, glabrous stem produces a white flower, 2.5 in. across (6-7 cm), with broad petals and an inflated, puffy pouch. The slipper-shaped flowers are spotted and mottled with light to dark pink. Blooming from mid-spring to early summer (depending on geographic locations), the plant spreads by underground runners to form nice colonies where happy. Well-established clumps can have more than 100 individual stems, each with a bloom.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 4-6 in. tall (10-15 cm).
• Thrives in part shade in moist, fertile, humus-rich, alkaline, well-drained soils. Requires 2 to 3 hours of direct early morning or late afternoon sun and be in the dappled shade the remainder of the day. Provide an annual winter mulch of leaf mold.
• Excellent choice for borders, city gardens, cottage gardens, and containers.
• Allow the foliage to die down naturally.
• Propagate by division in early or mid-spring and replant immediately. Some soil from the root ball, which contains beneficial fungi, should be planted with each division.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for slugs and gray molds.
• Native to Taiwan.