Cypripedium in the garden

[kavanaru]

last year I decided to start growing Cypripedium in my garden... Not having any experience with this genus, I decided to try some hybrids first, and if after two winters they are still there and growing, I would try some species as well...

First winter is gone, and the plants did pretty well.. now some of them are in bloom, and I need to check whether they survive summer and winter 2012 (summer here in Alsace can be pretty hot and dry!)

Cyp. Sebastian... this one surprised me as it is too small to bloom... so, I decided to cut the flower to let the little plant get stronger

Cypripedium Sebastian by kavanaru, on Flickr

Cypripedium Sebastian by kavanaru, on Flickr

Cyp. Ursel, a gorgeous strong hybrid with large yellow flowers

Cypripedium Ursel by kavanaru, on Flickr

Cyp. Emil and Hank Small, both are easy hybrids and pretty similar... I selected these two, because my partner and I love Cyp. calceolus, which is more difficult to grow, and with them we would at least have similar flowers (even though smaller!)

Cypripedium Emil by kavanaru, on Flickr

Cypripedium Hank Small by kavanaru, on Flickr

Cypripedium Hank Small by kavanaru, on Flickr

Cyp. Gisela and Cyp. Gisela (Pastel strain), another nice a robust hybrid

Cypripedium Gisela "Pastel" by kavanaru, on Flickr

Cypripedium Gisela "Pastel" by kavanaru, on Flickr

Cypripedium Gisela by kavanaru, on Flickr

Cypripedium Gisela by kavanaru, on Flickr

still have Cyp. Oliver and Cyp. Ulla Silkens in bud...