Can I save my lady slippers?

Question

I bought 3 immature pink lady slippers probably 8 years ago. I live in south central Massachusetts. I planted them near the edge of my woods where they would get dappled sun. After 4 years they finally bloomed & had bloomed beautifully for probably 3 more years. Last year they came up but we had a very cold spring & early summer. Only 1 of the 3 plants had a flower & that flower looked deformed. In general all my plants did poorly last year, so I wasn’t too worried. This year, none of the 3 plants has sprung up at all. Any ideas what happened? Do you think there’s any way to save them? Should I dig them up & see what’s going on? They were my favorite out of my whole garden & financially I don’t think I can replace them. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Unfortunately, these cold winters we have been having may have done them in. It would be best to try digging one up and checking on the roots. If they are firm and pliable, they may just need more time to break dormancy. If they are brittle or mushy, they are dead.