Cypripedium japonicum Malvaviscus Alongside the leaf stalk is

Alongside the leaf stalk is a large pitcher-like spathe (usually green or purple-and-white striped) with a large hood that ends in a long dangling thread

From England's Blooms of Bressingham comes this wonderful hybrid poker that has performed superbly in the heat of the southeastern US

sums up its namesake well

When given plenty of room and bright light

In late May and early June

Cypripedium japonicum Malvaviscus Alongside the leaf stalk isI'll never forget the time I saw my first Cypripedium japonicum orchid at the US National Arboretum. I had never seen anything quite this beautiful. The spectacular, heavily pleated green leaves of Cypripedium japonicum resemble a Japanese hand fan opened horizontally atop a 6" tall stem. Held just above the foliage is a scrumptious pink ladyslipper like flower. As you can imagine, the supply of these nursery propagated plants is very limited.