The Queen of Orchids: Lady's Slipper (Papucul Doamnei) +video and views
Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2026 5:07 pm
One of the rarest and most spectacular flowers in Romania, the Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium calceolus) is a true botanical treasure. This wild orchid, protected by law since 1938, is a symbol of natural elegance and fragility.
Where to find it: It grows in shaded, limestone-rich areas, usually in beech or pine forests. In Romania, you can spot it in the Retezat (see more), Bucegi, or Ceahlău mountains (see more), but only if you are very lucky and visit between May and July.
The Legend of Venus's Slipper
Legend says that the Goddess Venus was once walking through the woods when a storm broke out. As she ran for cover, she lost one of her golden slippers in the grass. When a mortal tried to pick it up, the slipper transformed into this beautiful orchid, keeping its divine shape so that humans could admire it from afar, but never own it.
Why is it so special?
A video who present Lady's Slipper (Papucul Doamnei):
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Lady's Slipper (Papucul Doamnei)
When is the best time to see it blooming? The flowering period is quite short, usually from late May to early July, depending on the altitude and how cold the spring was.
Where exactly can I find it in Romania? It prefers limestone areas and semi-shade. You can find it in the Bucegi Natural Park, Piatra Craiului, Retezat, and even in some protected forests in the Bucovina or Maramureș regions.
Can I grow it in my garden if I find a seed? Extremely difficult. This orchid lives in a mandatory symbiosis with a specific microscopic fungus in the soil. Without that fungus, the plant cannot survive or grow, which is why it almost never survives being transplanted.
Is it true that it is protected by law? Yes! It has been protected in Romania since 1938. Picking the flower or digging up the plant is strictly forbidden and can result in very high fines.
Why is it called "Lady's Slipper"? The name comes from the shape of the labellum (the lower petal), which resembles a traditional slipper or pouch, designed to temporarily trap insects for pollination.
What should I do if I find one? The best thing is to take a photo (without stepping on the soil right next to it, to avoid crushing the delicate roots) and leave it exactly as you found it for others to admire.
Where to find it: It grows in shaded, limestone-rich areas, usually in beech or pine forests. In Romania, you can spot it in the Retezat (see more), Bucegi, or Ceahlău mountains (see more), but only if you are very lucky and visit between May and July.
The Legend of Venus's Slipper
Legend says that the Goddess Venus was once walking through the woods when a storm broke out. As she ran for cover, she lost one of her golden slippers in the grass. When a mortal tried to pick it up, the slipper transformed into this beautiful orchid, keeping its divine shape so that humans could admire it from afar, but never own it.
A rare Lady's Slipper orchid (Cypripedium calceolus) blooming in a lush Romanian beech forest, with golden sunlight filtering through the trees.
- The Shape: Its name comes from the unique shape of the lower petal, which looks exactly like a golden silk slipper.
- The Trap: The "slipper" is actually a clever trap for insects. They fall inside and, in their struggle to get out, they get covered in pollen, ensuring the plant's reproduction.
- Slow Growth: It takes many years (sometimes over a decade) for a seed to grow into a flowering plant.
A video who present Lady's Slipper (Papucul Doamnei):
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Lady's Slipper (Papucul Doamnei)
When is the best time to see it blooming? The flowering period is quite short, usually from late May to early July, depending on the altitude and how cold the spring was.
Where exactly can I find it in Romania? It prefers limestone areas and semi-shade. You can find it in the Bucegi Natural Park, Piatra Craiului, Retezat, and even in some protected forests in the Bucovina or Maramureș regions.
Can I grow it in my garden if I find a seed? Extremely difficult. This orchid lives in a mandatory symbiosis with a specific microscopic fungus in the soil. Without that fungus, the plant cannot survive or grow, which is why it almost never survives being transplanted.
Is it true that it is protected by law? Yes! It has been protected in Romania since 1938. Picking the flower or digging up the plant is strictly forbidden and can result in very high fines.
Why is it called "Lady's Slipper"? The name comes from the shape of the labellum (the lower petal), which resembles a traditional slipper or pouch, designed to temporarily trap insects for pollination.
What should I do if I find one? The best thing is to take a photo (without stepping on the soil right next to it, to avoid crushing the delicate roots) and leave it exactly as you found it for others to admire.