Pink Lady's Slipper
pyrola asarifolia
Also known as: ["Pink Lady's Slipper","Pink Pyrola"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to North America, known for its pinkish-white slipper-shaped flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Ericaceae |
| Genus: | Pyrola |
| Botanical Name: | Pyrola asarifolia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: woodland garden or shaded, moist understory
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, acidic, well-draining soil with high organic matter; resembles woodland soil.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically annually or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead, diseased, or damaged parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; 2–4 hours of dappled or morning sunlight; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to brighter light if moving from deep shade; protect from harsh direct sun to prevent leaf burn; ideal for shaded woodland garden settings.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct sunlight; provide dappled light; monitor for signs of sun stress.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Maintain consistent moisture without saturation; water less in winter; ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogging.
Soil
moist, acidic, humus-rich soil
pH: Acidic, pH 4.5–6.0.
Use acidic soil mix; ensure good drainage; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–70°F (10–21°C); prefers cooler conditions during dormancy.
Keep in cool to moderate conditions; protect from frost; avoid extreme heat.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during active growth with diluted balanced fertilizer
Use a weak solution to prevent fertilizer burn; fertilize only during growing season; stop in winter.
Propagation
Methods
Division or seed propagation; division is more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps into smaller sections with roots.
- Plant immediately in prepared soil.
- Water well.
- For seeds, sow shallowly and keep moist.
Best Time: Early spring before new growth begins or after flowering.
Environment
Cool, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Rich, moist, well-draining soil with organic matter; peat-based mix is ideal.
Hormone
Not typically required for division; optional for seed propagation to improve germination.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; seeds: germination in 1–3 months, establishment in 1–2 years.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife or shears, small trowel, pots or trays, rooting medium.
Quick Tips
Divide only when necessary; use fresh seed for best germination; maintain consistent moisture for seeds.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off dead or yellowing leaves at the base; trim back any overgrown stems to encourage bushier growth.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required; focus on removing dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and appearance.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or small pruning shears.
Checklist
Sanitize tools before use; remove only dead or damaged parts; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth starts.
Pot Size
Use a pot one size larger if repotting; avoid excessive root disturbance.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with added organic matter; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot only when the plant becomes root-bound or every 2–3 years; Pyrola prefers being slightly pot-bound.
Checklist
Prepare new pot with drainage holes; use fresh soil mix; handle roots gently; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water thoroughly but allow drainage; reduce frequency in winter; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom, avoiding wetting foliage; ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during active growth (spring-summer), allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce frequency in dormant periods (fall-winter) to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add peat moss, compost, or leaf mold to increase organic matter and acidity; ensure good drainage with perlite or sand if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf yellowing, or browning in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth and cause root damage; frost can kill above-ground parts.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; move potted plants to a sheltered location; avoid exposing to freezing temperatures.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to dehydration, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but ensure good drainage.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding; rinse soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize monthly during active growth (spring-summer); avoid fertilizing in fall-winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPyrola asarifolia is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not considered toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicPyrola asarifolia is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not considered toxic
Humans
Non-toxicPyrola asarifolia is not known to have significant toxic effects on humans. It is not commonly associated with any adverse physiological impacts.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not considered toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Pyrola asarifolia toxic to pets?
A: There is no reliable information available regarding its toxicity to pets.
Q: How should Pyrola asarifolia be cared for?
A: It requires partial to full shade, moist but well-drained acidic soil, and protection from extreme temperatures.
Q: Does Pyrola asarifolia attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ericaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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