Species Orchid, Cypripedium, Ram's Head Lady Slipper Orchid

Cypripediumarietinum

Family
Orchidaceae (or-kid-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Cypripedium (sip-rih-PEE-dee-um)
Species
arietinum (air-REE-tee-num)
Synonym
Arietinum americanum
Criosanthes arietina
Criosanthes borealis
Sun Exposure
Light Shade
Foliage
Herbaceous
Height
6-12 in. (15-30 cm)
Spacing
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 2a: to -45.5 °C (-50 °F)
USDA Zone 2b: to -42.7 °C (-45 °F)
USDA Zone 3a: to -39.9 °C (-40 °F)
USDA Zone 3b: to -37.2 °C (-35 °F)
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
Danger
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction
Bloom Color
Pink
Fuchsia (red-purple)
Brown/Bronze
Bloom Time
Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer
Other Details
Category
Perennials
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
5.1 to 5.5 (strongly acidic)
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
Patent Information
Propagation Methods
By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)
From seed; germinate in vitro in gelatin, agar or other medium
Seed Collecting
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Farmington, New Hampshire

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Gardener's Notes:

0
positive
3
neutrals
0
negative
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M
Worcester, MA | May 2008 | neutral

I believe this is an endangered orchid. It should be reported at least to you local or state horticulture society as to location and SHO...Read More

R
R
Lexington, VA (Zone 6a) | December 2004 | neutral

We were fortunate to capture photos of this rare orchid on a botanical field trip to Bruce Peninsula, Ontario in June. Scattered through...Read More

S
Oklahoma City, OK (Zone 7a) | August 2002 | neutral

The specific epithet arietinum is the Latin meaning "like a ram," in reference to the fanciful similarity of the flower of this species t...Read More

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