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Hardy Lady’s-slipper Orchids chosen by plant-hunter Lark Hanham
Since the mid-18th Century, the ever-elusive, Lady's slipper orchid has long been a highly featured name on a plant hunters want-list. Although it was declared as officially extinct by 1917 and regarded one of the rarest flowers from mainland Britain, they became endangered and protected unscrupulous collectors. Cypripediums are highly regarded by garden enthusiasts as jewels for the spring garden, with experts creating new improved hybrids, they are becoming even-more sought-after and additionally attractive. Hardy below -20C, frost won’t affect them and despite their unusual appearance they are fairly undemanding. They thrive in dappled-shade, in well-aerated, crumbly calcareous soils. Insiders suggest the best mulch for a Lady’s Slipper orchids is pine needles and a suitable planting location would also be on the north side of a building.
Cypripedium reginae AGM
Described as the ideal Cypripedium for the beginner, reginae is one of the more robust long-lived lady-slipper orchids. Over time, it produces dense spreading mounds of erect flowering stems, each capable of holding up to 3 highly-contrasting bi-coloured blooms. It flowers a little later than most from May- June and when in flower, the blossoms look as though they are hovering above a lush covering light-green foliage. Height and spread 40-50cm.
Cypripedium macranthos
This Belarus native is nicknamed the large-flowered lady’s slipper and its not hard to see why. In late-spring, new shoots first poke through last year’s shabby foliage. Their strong tapered buds fill me with promise and excite as I watch them slowly emerge. Macratnhos dependably flowers through April-May. Its a vigorous, garden-worthy which presents pink-mauve slippers with intricate darker veins and a veil of showy maroon sepals. Hardy -30C. Height and spread 50-60cm.
Cypripedium flavum
Endemic to China, this tough but striking orchid can be seen nestling on hillsides near coniferous forests in Tibet. Its yellow and burgundy splodged appearance produces lots of variety appearing in various shades with unique flecked detail. Its blooms measure up to 8cm across and its sepals are often proudly recurved backwards. Feed in spring with a granulated, slow-release. Height & spread 60cm.
How to buy
Buy Lark’s Hardy Lady’s-slipper Orchids
Buy one for £21 or buy the mix of three for £42- save £21, or the mix of six for only £72-Save £54. P&P £4.95. Supplied as 9cm pots in 14 days*. Order at gardenshop.telegraph.co.uk/cypror or call 03337720325. Contract for supply of goods is with Hayloft Plants Ltd. *Offers subject to availability. Offer closing date October 21, 2019.
Offer closing date December 22nd, 2019.