Calypso
Calypso bulbosa
Last reviewed: June 2026
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
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. 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.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz