NATIVE CYPRIPEDIUMS

No cypripedium naturally grows in Bogs

We do have Many bog orchids like Platanthera and Calopogon

Pubescence our easiest to grow native yellow lip with twisted sepals and petals that vary from yellow to brown with a yellow lip. Sometimes with multiple flowers per stem. I grow mine in forest compost with 40-60% shade. Planting near the edge of the woods or near a building with mature trees can usually satisfy this requirement. The soil in which the plant grows should be kept slightly acidic in organic humus and very loose and aerated. I have had the some plants for over 25 years.

Plainapetilum may be a subgroup of pubescens grows the same blooms 1-2 weeks latter

Reginae, Showy ladyslipper. A large flower with flat white sepals and petals with a pink to red lip.(alba form white lip) Often with multiple flowers per stem. Grows naturally in fenns. Keep well watered but not standing in water requires 2 to 3 hours of direct early morning sun or late afternoon sun and be in shade dappled with sun during the rest of the day. Will grow very well in full sun if you can match the fin condition. The soil in which the plant grows should be kept a neutral pH (i.e. pH 6.8 - 7.5), very high in organic humus and very loose and aerated. The mix can be kept neutral indefinitely by adding powdered lime to it if needed. Powdered lime should be used only when checking pH in the late fall.

Acaule the Cyp most people think of a very nice pink flower on a stem less plant. Needs acidic (4-6) low fertility soil. Can be grown in a bog but it not its preferred location. Does not bloom every year unless very happy. Needs mid afternoon shade. But too much shade will stop flowering. Never recommended

Candidum var Elton Roberts CRR/AOS a rare native white lips greenish to brown sepals rarely multiple per stem; prefers full sun. Although slow to develop can form beautiful close clumps. The soil in which the plant grows should be kept slightly acidic and very high in organic humus.

Kentuckiense Our largest flower long yellow and brown twisted side with flat overhanging top petal and a light yellow lip. Flowers up to 4 x 6 in. Grows in sandy soil about 50% shade. Surprisingly easy.

Montanum Small plants with yellow lip and dark twisted sepals. Needs a very well-drained mix. With 30-60% shade. I am still playing with this one for good growing. A bog will kill this plant in a day. I protect mine from our freeze thaw I have in Ohio.

Guttatum A striking spotted plant. Needs a very well-drained mix. Will grow in Ohio but I am not sure how far south. Will tolerate a fair amount of sun. Mine are growing well and I hope to see blooms this next year.

Arietinum The rams head orchid still playing with this one needs well drained soil partial shade and protection from summer heat,

European Species

(only one)

Calceolus Similar to pubescens needs a little better drainage

Asian Species

Macranthos Beautiful color, heavily used in breeding hybrids

Tibeticum one of the most desired species with brilliant red color

Flavum Almost fully yellow flowers

Formosanum A stemless light pink flower with beautiful fan shaped leaf. Will take more heat than most cyps

The Hybrids

Easer to grow than the species

Andrewsii var Stella Roberts CBR/AOS (Candidium x Parviflorium) one of my favorites

Aki (Pubescens x Macranthos) very reliable

Emil (parviflorum calceolus)

Gisela (parviflorum x Macranthos) the standard in hybrids

Sabine (fasciolatum x macranthos) combines the huge cream lip of fasciolatum, one of the largest species, with the rich coloring of macranthos

Ulla Silkens ( C. reginae x C. flavum )

Ventricosum (Cypripedium macranthos X Cypripedium calceolus)