Civano Nursery is proud to introduce Chilly Willy, our new cold-hardy selection of Lady’s Slipper that outperforms all others! Chilly Willy first caught our attention after a hard winter that should have left it frozen to the ground. Our trials have since shown that Chilly Willly can weather a full week of temperatures below 32°F, and survives temperatures as low as 12°F with no damage at all!
Whether or not you agree that these flowers look like an actual lady’s slipper, we know you can’t deny that they’re still some of the most unique blooms on one of the easiest-to-grow plants in the southwest! These pinkish-orange “slippers” stand out conspicuously against the plant’s smooth, upright lime-green stems from late spring through the summer, attracting hummingbirds as they open.
Chilly Willy’s small, deciduous leaves are not significant to its appearance, and they often fall from the thick, waxy stems at the first sign of cooler weather and when experiencing drought. Their absence from the succulent stems accentuates the strong upright lines that make this plant such a fantastic vertical accent.
Height: 3 – 4 feet
Width: 3 – 4 feet
Bloom color: Reddish Orange
Flowering season: Spring
USDA minimum zone: 9
Cold hardiness: 12° F
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