Pink Lady's-slipper
Cypripedium acaule
Last reviewed: June 2026
Cypripedium acaule (Pink Lady's-slipper) is a native orchid blooming in May and June across eastern North America from Maine to Georgia. This shade-loving wildflower features distinctive pink pouched flowers and thrives in acidic soils.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
4"–12" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, CT, DE, GA and 21 more states
Pollinators
bees, flies
Pink lady's-slipper is a rare native orchid with distinctive pink pouch-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring. This low-growing woodland plant requires specific soil conditions and mycorrhizal relationships to thrive, making it challenging to establish and maintain in typical garden settings.
Growing Pink Lady's-slipper
Grow Pink Lady's-slipper in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 4 to 12 inches tall and spread 4 to 12 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Pink Lady's-slipper 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 rare and difficult to establish
- Dies back completely after blooming
- May be mistaken for weeds when not flowering
Wildlife value
Supports specialized pollinators including native bees and flies that are attracted to its unique orchid flowers.
Common questions
- When does Pink Lady's-slipper bloom?
- Cypripedium acaule blooms during May and June, producing its characteristic pink slipper-shaped flowers in late spring to early summer.
- What pollinators visit Pink Lady's-slipper?
- Pink Lady's-slipper is primarily pollinated by bees and flies that become temporarily trapped in the inflated lip of the flower before finding their way out through a rear opening.
- Where is Pink Lady's-slipper native?
- This orchid is native to eastern North America, ranging from Maine south to Georgia and west to Minnesota, including most states in the northeastern and southeastern United States.
- What growing conditions does Pink Lady's-slipper prefer?
- Cypripedium acaule thrives in partial shade to full shade with well-draining, acidic soils. It typically grows in pine or oak forests and requires specific soil fungi to survive.
- Is Pink Lady's-slipper HOA-friendly?
- Pink Lady's-slipper 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 Pink Lady's-slipper? 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