The plant family Orchidaceae (The Orchids) is incredibly diverse and widespread around the globe. But within this family, perhaps the most fascinating group of plants are members of the subfamily Cypripedioideae - or Lady Slipper Orchids as they are commonly known. These distinctive flowers can be recognized by the pouch shaped structure found on the lower half of their flower.

Horticulturally significant species within Cypripedioideae are actually found in three genera: Paphiopedilum (approx. 70+ species) - ranging across southern Asia from India east to New Guinea and the Solomon Islands; Phragmipedium (approx. 15+ species) - ranging south from Mexico and throughout South America; and Cypripedium (approx. 40+ species) - ranging within the temperate zone across Europe, Asia and North America. This website is dedicated to sales and dissemination of knowlege of species and hybrids within the genera Paphiopedilum and Phragmipedium.