Hank Small lady's slipper orchid
Cypripedium Hank Small gx
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🖨 Print-friendly care cardAt a Glance
| Botanical name | Cypripedium Hank Small gx |
|---|---|
| Common name(s) | Hank Small lady's slipper orchid |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Plant type | perennial (terrestrial orchid with short robust rhizome; stems lack pseudobulbs) |
| Height × Spread | 15–60 cm |
| Position | Not recorded |
| Soil | Moist, fertile, humus-rich, slightly alkaline soil with good drainage. |
| Flowering | March–May |
| Toxicity | Can cause skin allergy; wear gloves when handling. |
| Native range | Northern Hemisphere, including most of Europe and Africa (Algeria), Russia, China, Central Asia, Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Central America |
Siting the Hank Small lady's slipper orchid
Cypripedium Hank Small is a garden orchid that suits a sheltered spot in partial shade. It has upright stems and distinctive pouch-shaped flowers in late spring. Choose a position away from hot, drying afternoon sun and avoid compacted ground that traps standing water.
Soil, planting and moisture
Provide a loose, moisture-retentive yet freely draining growing medium; the plant should not dry out completely while in active growth. Disturb its roots as little as possible. In a container, use a medium suitable for hardy terrestrial orchids rather than ordinary dense potting compost, and ensure the base drains freely.
Seasonal care
Allow the foliage to die down naturally after the growing season and avoid cutting back healthy leaves prematurely. Mark the position while the orchid is dormant so its crown is not accidentally dug up. Compare plants with the RHS hybrid description when buying; this is not an interchangeable care guide for tropical orchids.
Source: RHS gardening guidance. Advice is adapted to UK growing conditions.
Pests and Diseases
| Problem | Symptoms | Management |
|---|---|---|
| Root rot | Leaves turn yellow and wilt while the crown becomes soft and mushy. | Ensure excellent drainage with gritty compost and avoid waterlogging. |
| Slugs and snails | Irregular holes chewed in leaves and slime trails on foliage. | Use physical barriers, iron phosphate pellets, or hand-pick at night. |
| Vine weevil | Notched leaf margins and damaged roots causing plant decline. | Apply nematodes to soil in autumn and spring; use systemic insecticides if severe. |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery fungal growth on leaves, often causing distortion. | Improve air circulation and apply a suitable fungicide if necessary. |
| Bud blast | Flower buds turn brown and drop off before opening. | Avoid temperature fluctuations and ensure consistent moisture during bud development. |
Or browse the full plant problem solver to diagnose an issue by symptom.
