Most Cypripediums are woodland plants and therefore prefer cool sites, which do not become too dry and hot during summer. Places where ferns thrive are also suitable.
Don’t plant your Cypripedium close to trees or big shrubs because their roots are effective competition for water and nutrients!
Basically Cypripedium hybrids grow well in most garden soils. Lady’s slipper orchids prefer a well-aerated, crumbly soil structure (10 cm / 4 inches deep).
Autumn is the best season for planting. Spread out the roots in the upper 10 cm (4 inches) of the soil, the rhizome 2-3 cm (1 inch) below the surface, shoot buds upwards.
Feed in Spring with a general fertiliser. They do not like to dry out so water if needed.
Watch out for snails and slugs. They love them.

thanks owdb, that was one of my worries, slugs/snails. The leaves looked snail fodder. Think it is the lady's slipper type, can deal with needs, slug issue is harder, had many unexpected losses due to that form of attack? May try a pot for a season unless I can figure out source of attack.
Cheers Kev