Pink Lady’s Slipper

Scientific name

Cypripedium acaule

Description

The Pink Lady's Slipper is best known for being PEI's provincial flower. It is a large wildflower that grows up to 38 cm in height and flowers between May and July. The plant has a leafless stem that flowers. Like other orchids, the plant requires fungus to survive, flower, and reproduce. The fungus will break open the seeds of the orchid using threads and attach them to the seed. While growing the fungus will pass on nutrients to the seed. When the Pink Lady's Slipper is older, the plant will pass nutrients through its roots to the fungus.

Planting conditions

The Pink Lady's Slipper is most often found growing in mixed conifer forests, on mossy slopes, bogs, or other areas where there is well-drained acidic soil rich in humus. It grows well in shade or partial shade.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 1.5m
  • Max 2m
  • Max 3m
  • Any
  • Over 3m
• Moisture level:
  • Normal
  • Moist
• Light conditions:
  • Partial sun
  • Shade
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Humus
• pH:
  • Acidic
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Wildflower
• Eco Zone:
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
  • 7b
• Plant type:
  • Wildflower
• Height:
  • 38 cm