Perennial orchids
Cypripedium Ulla Silkens or Lady Slipper
These rustic orchids have blossoms that resemble a hoof and can grow to a height of 50 to 70 cm.
Flowering takes place in May, June and they can survive up to -30° in a half-shaded garden.
Delivered in 1 litre jars in the form of mature plants, they will flower within a year.
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The Hybrid Vigour
Hybrids Cypripedium , which are the result of crossing 2 wild or botanical species, are generally distinguished by increased strength.
This results in faster multiplication compared to botanical varieties. Since the appearance of new stems is more important, it is not uncommon, with hybrid varieties, to obtain flower clumps of 10-20 flower stems in just a few years.
Ulla Silkens “cypripedium” is the result of a crossbreeding of a rose-red variety of American origin (Cypripedium reginae) and a yellow variety present in Russia and in the Himalayan chain (Cypripedium flavum).
The result is a magnificent flower with white to slightly pinkish sepals and petals covered with a more or less important number of purple red spots. As a hybrid, which consists of the characteristics of the parent plant, it should be noted that the number of spots can vary from a few to more than thirty from one plant to another. Flowers in the shape of a hoof bloom in April/May. Very hardy, this orchid can withstand temperatures down to -30°C.
How to grow a Cypripedium
Planting
Cypripedium thrive in soils that are poor in organic matter and well drained. It is advisable to aerate the soil with mineral substrate (at least 50%) such as sand, pozzolan or lava stone. Add a little finely ground pine bark, a compost made from leaves or coconut fibres.
It is important that Cypripedium rhizomes do not dry in summer but also that they are not submerged in winter. The different mineral substrates will ensure good moisture retention in summer while promoting good drainage during winter.
Exhibition
In the garden, Cypripedium like cool, shady or semi-shaded areas. Sunshine at the hottest hours of the day should be avoided.
As the seasons go by…
During the winter, the plant persists as a rhizome and does not require any special protection.
New shoots of Cypripedium usually appear in April. Once started, the vegetation develops very quickly; in 3 to 5 weeks the foliage has bloomed. Flowering lasts from late April to June. At the end of the summer, the foliage yellows and then fades before disappearing completely. The Cypripedium then enter in winter dormancy.
Over the years and successive cycles of growth and dormancy, Cypripedium are strengthened but also multiply thanks to the annual appearance of new releases.
