Cypripedium Parviflorum Var. Pubescens

Description

Cypripedium Parviflorum Var. Pubescens, commonly known as Yellow Lady’s Slipper, is a species of orchid native to North America. It is a perennial plant that can grow up to 60cm in height and 30cm in width. The plant produces a single stem that is covered in leaves and topped with a single flower. The flower is yellow in color and has a slipper-like shape, with a pouch that serves as a landing platform for pollinators. The plant blooms in late spring to early summer and can live up to 20 years.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The Yellow Lady’s Slipper has a unique appearance that is easily recognizable. The plant has a single stem that can grow up to 60cm in height and 30cm in width. The stem is covered in green leaves that are oval-shaped and pointed at the tip. The plant produces a single flower that is yellow in color and has a slipper-like shape. The flower has a pouch that serves as a landing platform for pollinators, and it has two petals that curve upwards and one petal that curves downwards. The flower blooms in late spring to early summer and can last up to six weeks.

Care Guide

Yellow Lady’s Slipper is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does have some specific requirements.

• Water: The plant requires moist soil, so it should be watered regularly. However, it is important not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot.
• Fertilization: The plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. It is important not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can damage the roots.
• Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss, sand, and perlite is a good choice.
• Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full shade. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves and flowers.
• Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 3-8.

Common Pests & Diseases

The Yellow Lady’s Slipper is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by a few common issues.

• Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing it to wilt and die. They can be treated with insecticidal soap.
• Slugs: These pests can eat the leaves and flowers of the plant. They can be treated with slug bait or by handpicking them off the plant.
• Fungal Diseases: The plant can be affected by fungal diseases such as gray mold and root rot. These can be treated with a fungicide.

Habitat

The Yellow Lady’s Slipper is native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, forests, and meadows. The plant prefers moist soil and partial to full shade. It can be found in hardiness zones 3-8.

Question and Answer

Q: Is the Yellow Lady’s Slipper easy to grow?

A: Yes, the Yellow Lady’s Slipper is a relatively easy plant to grow, but it does have some specific requirements.

Q: How often should the Yellow Lady’s Slipper be watered?

A: The plant requires moist soil, so it should be watered regularly. However, it is important not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot.

Q: What should I do if my Yellow Lady’s Slipper is affected by aphids?

A: Aphids can be treated with insecticidal soap.

Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Yellow Lady’s Slipper?

A: The plant is hardy in zones 3-8.

Related Plants

• Cypripedium acaule
• Cypripedium californicum
• Cypripedium reginae

References

• Flora of North America. (n.d.). Cypripedium Parviflorum Salisb. var. pubescens (Willd.) Knight. Retrieved from http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101480
• Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b383
• USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Cypripedium parviflorum Salisb. var. pubescens (Willd.) Knight. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=cypap2