Cypripedium formosanum - first flower for me

[RosieC]

My Cyp formosanum has flowered

I bought this in November and forgot about it dormant in my greenhouse. I didn't water it and it was too warm in there for it really. I only spotted it when the flower was already open and should have been watering more if I had realised it had come out of dormancy.

I think that's why it flowered both early (too warm) and the pouch is puckered and not perfect (too dry).

I still love it though

[Hedge]

So nice to see this success - where are you keeping it and what sort of temperatures does it like/get?
Well done

[RosieC]

I kept it in the green house over the winter which was ranging between about 4C and 11C. I had intended to keep it outside with the other Cyps I had been told it was OK down to -5C and really it should have been outside for it's dormancy but I just forgot it when I brought it home in November.

I was planning to put it out with the others and just keep an eye and bring it in when it looked like the weather would go really cold. The other cyps are known to be OK down to -15C or so which we never get here (this one is meant to be a slightly warmer grower). It would have been OK outside most of the winter if I hadn't forgotten.

I think if they don't get a cold enough winter rest they don't flower, but this must have had enough to be OK.

Now it's in flower I'll wait till the danger of frost is over before putting it outside.

[Hedge]

We have had -15 here last winter, not so bad this January, though. I think it's always better to be a bit cautious, especially with something so precious. i'm waiting for my Pleione to respond to the spring weather warming up.

[billc]

That's real nice Rosie. Do you plant the cyps outside, or are they in pots?

Bill

[WhiteRabbit]

woo hoo!

[Paul Mc]

Wtg!!!!!

[Bud]

But its a beautiful flower...the color texture and form is just fine with me...even the 'pucker'...I specifically love the short pleated leaves that looks like an origami fan...

[Zoi2]

Joann

[ronaldhanko]

That is incredible, Rosie, and superb photography also.