The genus Cypripedium (from now on abbreviated as Cyps) contaisn all the temperate species of slipper orchids.
The native species of North America are often referred to as "lady's slippers". This is the genus that first got me into plants
of any kind, and it is still my favorite. Unfortunately most of them are still pretty hard to get, so I have a limited number
in my collection. However, slowly but surely I am adding to my collection.
Most Cyps are hardy and can be grown in the open garden in my area. Some are from warmer areas like temperate Asia and
need extra protection; some are so tender they must be grown as pot plants here (like C. formosanum). However, when
Cyps are grown in pots, they still must get a winter dormancy like any temperate plant, and should be placed in the refrigrator
for a few months over the winter. I will explain this more later.
Cyps are much more delicate in form and appearance than the tropical slippers. This is becasue they are used to cold
climates and therefore don't need to develop waxy textures to protect themselves from extreme heat. However, they do need
to protect themselves from extreme cold, and they do this by dying down to the ground in the winter. Energy collected over
the summer is stored in the roots for use during this time and for the start of the next season. Like Paphs and Phrags, Cyps
are rhizomatous perennials, and they will form large clumps of shoots over time if they are happy and left undisturbed. They
are fairly sensitive and do not like to be disturbed often, so their planting spot should be somewhat permanent. While they
require a little extra care than other perennials and native plants, there is nothing quite as astounding to plant in one's
garden.
(Under construction)
