Soil composition will be very important as well. Cyps thrive in
well drained soil that is high in organic material - to a depth of
4" or more! They also prefer a soil that is well established - one
that has had time to mellow and where the soil
microorganisms are working. If you are starting with a clay or
clay loam it is highly recommended that crushed clay pebbles,
crushed lava rock, or a baked clay product such as Isolite or
Seramis be added. If you are overwintering your Cyp. in a pot,
protect it from excessive winter moisture! You do not want to
chance rotting the growth point.
Cypripediums can be mulched with a layer of beech leaves or
pine needles and this will help retain good soil structure. They
are very hardy and do not require a deep protective mulch.
When you plant your hybrid Cypripedium, make sure the roots
are spread out and the growth tip is one inch below the soil
level. Gently firm the soil and water thoroughly.
Cypripediums do not like to dry out, so supplemental summer
watering may be necessary. Fertilize with a well balanced
fertilizer applied a half strength during the spring growing
season.
Do not plant next to Pachysandra, Vinca minor, or other fast
growing ground covers as Cypripediums do not appreciate
aggressive neighbors. Do not plant close to the main root zone
of trees or shrubs as those plants will have first take on water
and nutrients. Deer will eat Cyps, so do protect them!! Watch
for slugs and snails as their damage can severely impact your
orchid!
well drained soil that is high in organic material - to a depth of
4" or more! They also prefer a soil that is well established - one
that has had time to mellow and where the soil
microorganisms are working. If you are starting with a clay or
clay loam it is highly recommended that crushed clay pebbles,
crushed lava rock, or a baked clay product such as Isolite or
Seramis be added. If you are overwintering your Cyp. in a pot,
protect it from excessive winter moisture! You do not want to
chance rotting the growth point.
Cypripediums can be mulched with a layer of beech leaves or
pine needles and this will help retain good soil structure. They
are very hardy and do not require a deep protective mulch.
When you plant your hybrid Cypripedium, make sure the roots
are spread out and the growth tip is one inch below the soil
level. Gently firm the soil and water thoroughly.
Cypripediums do not like to dry out, so supplemental summer
watering may be necessary. Fertilize with a well balanced
fertilizer applied a half strength during the spring growing
season.
Do not plant next to Pachysandra, Vinca minor, or other fast
growing ground covers as Cypripediums do not appreciate
aggressive neighbors. Do not plant close to the main root zone
of trees or shrubs as those plants will have first take on water
and nutrients. Deer will eat Cyps, so do protect them!! Watch
for slugs and snails as their damage can severely impact your
orchid!
| Care for Your Hardy Cypripedium |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| Other Orchid Culture Links |
| Information Pages |
Your hybrid Cypripedium
comes to you already potted
and ready to be overwintered in
a cold frame or plunged into the
garden. Depending on the time
of year and the conditions, they
can also be planted directly into
a prepared garden location.
Hardy Cypripediums do best in
semi-shaded conditions. In the
Mid-Atlantic states a perfect
spot would be one that gets the
morning sun, but afternoon
shade. Many of the hybrids
have at least one parent that
prefers cooler temperatures, so
a spot that stays cooler in the
summer would be best. If ferns
thrive there, so will the Cyps.
comes to you already potted
and ready to be overwintered in
a cold frame or plunged into the
garden. Depending on the time
of year and the conditions, they
can also be planted directly into
a prepared garden location.
Hardy Cypripediums do best in
semi-shaded conditions. In the
Mid-Atlantic states a perfect
spot would be one that gets the
morning sun, but afternoon
shade. Many of the hybrids
have at least one parent that
prefers cooler temperatures, so
a spot that stays cooler in the
summer would be best. If ferns
thrive there, so will the Cyps.
| ©The Orchid Lady Carol Allen 14320 Poplar Hill Road Germantown, MD 20874 carolallen@erols.com |
Click on the images below
to order your own hardy
Orchid/Cypripedium
to order your own hardy
Orchid/Cypripedium
