Cypripedium japonicum, commonly known as Japanese cypripedium or Korean lady’s slipper, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to shaded and moist forest floors in temperate regions of East Asia, specifically Japan, Korea, and parts of China, including the provinces of Anhui, Gansu, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Shaanxi, Sichuan, and Zhejiang. It grows to a height of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) and features a pair of large, pleated, green leaves. The plant is admired for its striking flowers, which bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers are characterized by a large, slipper-shaped pouch that is typically white with a pink to purple blush and a dorsal sepal and petals that are green with white and maroon spotting, making them quite showy.

Japanese cypripedium is valued for its unique and attractive flowers, which make it a sought-after plant for shade gardens and woodland plantings. It is also used in specialized orchid collections. In cultivation, it requires consistent moisture, well-drained but moisture-retentive soil rich in organic matter, and dappled shade to mimic its natural forest habitat. While it can be a challenge to grow, success is more likely with attention to its specific cultural needs. It is not typically associated with major diseases or pests, but slugs and snails can sometimes be problematic. Due to its specific requirements and slow growth, it is not considered invasive when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0