Queen Lady's-slipper
Cypripedium reginae
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
high
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul
Native to
AR, CT, IA, IL and 20 more states
Pollinators
bees
Queen lady's-slipper is a spectacular native orchid that produces large, showy white and pink pouch-shaped flowers in early summer. This elegant perennial prefers consistently moist, rich soil and partial shade, making it ideal for woodland gardens or naturalized areas. The plant goes completely dormant in winter, disappearing until spring growth emerges.
In an HOA neighborhood
Queen 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.
- Completely disappears when dormant, leaving empty soil
- Requires specialized growing conditions that may appear unkempt
- Very expensive and difficult to establish successfully
Wildlife value
This orchid attracts native bees as pollinators, though it blooms for a relatively short period in summer.
Common questions
- How much sun does Queen Lady's-slipper need?
- Queen Lady's-slipper grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Queen Lady's-slipper bloom?
- Queen Lady's-slipper blooms in June and July.
- Where is Queen Lady's-slipper native?
- Queen Lady's-slipper (Cypripedium reginae) is native to AR, CT, IA, IL and 20 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Queen Lady's-slipper attract?
- Queen Lady's-slipper draws bees.
- Is Queen Lady's-slipper HOA-friendly?
- Queen 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 Queen 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