Not Your Typical Bloom –– The Rare Native Orchid Worth Hunting For

If you're a flower-savvy gardener wanting to diversify your plant collection, adding some nursery-propagated rare wild orchid varieties can give your garden landscape a unique flair. However, while orchids have undeniably beautiful blooms, their care requirements differ from most other flowering plants. Though not inherently difficult, maintenance can pose a challenge for even experienced gardeners, making a thriving orchid a source of both pride and beauty. There are also tens of thousands of orchid varieties to choose from, including this somewhat rare, stunning genus that's native to North America: lady's slipper orchids (Cypripedium spp.).

These eye-catching terrestrial orchids grow throughout the U.S., where they go by various other common names, including camel's foot, moccasin flower, or steeple cap. Given their wide range, they can be incorporated into your yard as outdoor specimens. Cypripedium orchids aren't in the genus Paphiopedilum, despite sharing the common name lady's slipper orchid. Paphiopedilum orchids are native to subtropical and tropical parts of Asia. Cypripedium orchids are perennials that bloom in mid-spring with pink, white, and yellow flowers. Although orchids have garnered a reputation for being difficult to grow or otherwise finicky, some lady's slipper orchids are so low maintenance once established that they rank among the easiest plants to grow for beginner gardeners.

If you plan on growing a few lady's slipper orchids as ornamental outdoor perennials at home, the first step is making sure you know what a USDA growing zone is and which one you are in. The broad range for Cypripedium orchids is from Zones 2 to 9, but the specific zones differ across species. Be sure to check carefully before you purchase an orchid.

Like many other orchids, lady's slipper orchids do best when provided with partial shade during the day. This ensures that they get enough sunlight to stay healthy while preventing foliage and flower damage. Too much sun exposure can also result in faded blooms and lower bloom production. While these orchids prefer consistently moist soil, excellent drainage is a must. Overall, however, these quirky flowering plants can be incorporated into suitable spots in a suburban or urban yard. You can, of course grow most lady's slipper orchids in your cottage, shade, or rock garden. Alternatively, you can grow some species in containers to add a splash of color and chunky foliage to a patio or porch. Overwinter them indoors as needed — if, for example, you live outside of the lower end of the plant's hardiness zone.

Because some Cypripedium orchids are on the rarer side, finding the right species for your backyard may prove more difficult than caring for it once you have it. Your best bet for finding lady's slipper orchids is online via speciality nurseries. Expect to pay between $50 and $100 — or even more — for a single potted plant.