How much sun does Calypso need?

Calypso grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Calypso bloom?

Calypso blooms in May and June.

Where is Calypso native?

Calypso (Calypso bulbosa) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 14 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Calypso HOA-friendly?

Calypso takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Calypso

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Calypso bulbosa

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Calypso (Calypso bulbosa) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

3"–8" H × 2"–5" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 14 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Southern Rockies

Calypso is a rare native orchid that produces a single, distinctive pink and white slipper-shaped flower in late spring. This delicate woodland plant grows from a small bulb and requires very specific soil conditions and mycorrhizal relationships to survive.

In an HOA neighborhood

Calypso takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Extremely difficult to establish and maintain
May not survive transplanting
Invisible most of the year

Wildlife value

While native, this orchid has limited documented pollinator relationships and is primarily of conservation interest rather than broad wildlife support.

Common questions

How much sun does Calypso need?: Calypso grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Calypso bloom?: Calypso blooms in May and June.
Where is Calypso native?: Calypso (Calypso bulbosa) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 14 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Calypso HOA-friendly?: Calypso takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Calypso? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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