Calypso bulbosa aka Calypso

Calypso bulbosa is a small orchid that grows in soil. Its common names include fairy slipper orchid and bog orchid. It belongs to the orchid family, Orchidaceae. Its range spans northern Eurasia and North America, including western Canada. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. It grows in moist pine and spruce woods. It also lives beside cool, shaded streams. These sites have soil rich in rotting leaves and wood. Its habitats extend from sea level into mountain woodland.

The plant forms clumps and has underground storage organs called corms. RHS gives a garden height of 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. It lists the same range for spread. Plants take two to five years to reach full size. Each plant has one broad, oval leaf. This can reach about 0.4 feet [0.12 metres] long. The foliage is deciduous. A thin stem stands upright above the leaf. In summer, it holds one scented flower that nods downwards. The flower measures about 0.08 feet [0.025 metres] across. Its upper petals are reddish purple, while its lip is white.

RHS recommends a cold greenhouse or alpine house for cultivation. Use terrestrial orchid compost with added leaf mould and charcoal. Give the plant filtered light rather than deep shade. The growing medium should stay moist but drain well. RHS lists loam and an acid to neutral pH. Choose a sheltered spot with an east or west aspect. Its UK hardiness rating is H6. PFAF lists USDA zones 4–8. These ratings describe cold tolerance, not ease of growing. The recommended compost and sheltered conditions remain part of its care.

Containers and patio displays are among its suggested uses. PFAF also lists shaded woodland edges and bog gardens. Its small size suits close viewing of the lone flower. No pruning is needed. RHS advises careful corm division in early spring. It reports few usual problems with pests or disease. This does not rule out problems under unsuitable growing conditions.

PFAF records the underground corms as edible, raw or cooked. It notes their small size and past use as food. It also records historical use of bulbs and flowers for mild epilepsy. That record does not establish safety or medical benefit. PFAF lists no known hazards, but gives no specific pet-safety evidence. It reports no other uses and does not flag weed potential.