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

The clumps are adorned at the leaf bases with September-produced

Patrinia scabiosifolia will even reseed to create some truly special combinations

Bob Kuk's new hybrid seems to have attracted lots of attention

At the onset of cool nights in fall

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.