Planting Instructions for Lady’s Slipper Orchids
Frosch® Cypripedium hybrids can be grown in all areas where temperatures do not regularly exceed 30°C (86°F) in summer and remain below +5 °C (40°F) for 2-3 months in winter. Temperatures below -20°C (-4°F) present no problem, given sufficient snow cover. No separate protection during winter is required - lady’s slipper orchids are completely hardy.
Semi-shade, no direct sun at midday. A very suitable place would also be on the north side of a building. Most cypripediums are woodland plants and therefore prefer cool sites, which do not become too dry and hot during summer. Places where ferns thrive are also suitable for lady’s slippper orchids. Don’t plant your cypripediums close to trees or big shrubs because their roots are effective competition for water and nutrients (see photo)!
Soil Lady’s slipper orchids need a well-aerated, crumbly soil structure (10 cm / 4 inches deep) and medium moisture conditions. Dense and loamy soils should be improved with mineral materials such as crushed clay pebbles or lava. If the planting site is too wet, a drainage layer with crushed clay pebbles or lava should be added. In sandy soils which dry out rapidly it is recommended to increase water retention by mixing in perlite, Seramis® or Isolite®. Covering the soil with a layer of beech leaves or conifer needles has a favourable effect on structure and moisture. Lady’s slipper orchids are completely hardy - no separate protection during winter is required.
Autumn is the best season for planting. Spread out the roots in the upper 10 cm (4 inches) of the soil, the rhizome 2-3 cm (1 inch) below the surface. Fill in the remaining substrate without compressing it, and water thoroughly.
The soil should never dry out completely, therefore in dry summers careful watering is recommended. Fertilize your lady’s slipper orchids regularly during springtime by using commercial mineral fertilizers in half concentration.
Slugs can wreak havoc within one night. Particularly during springtime special protection is indispensable. Lady’s slipper orchids look best in combination with slow-growing ferns, barrenwort (Epimedium) and small Hosta species (see our garden examples). They cannot compete with vigorously-growing perennials, shrubs or trees. Leptinella (syn. Cotula) has turned out to be a suitable and good groundcover (photo). This plant forms loose green carpets which do not inhibit the growth of the Cypripedium shoots.
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