Planting Cypripediums, Volume 1

I'm starting "volumes" or series of orchid information posts which I hope will become valuable Internet resources for people who share the same love I do. My first series is for planting Cypripediums, the genus of orchids I started with. Cyps (short form) are slipper orchids of the northern hemisphere, most of which are temperate zone inhabitants. In this first of three volumes I will discuss preparing the planting area.

Most species and hybrids prefer light shade, as you would get at woodland egdes. They need diffuse light to bloom, but too much direct sun easily scorches the leaves (even here in zone 3). Choose an area with such lightinng conditions, outside unless you are growing a variety which is not hardy to your region (not likely; in volume 2 I'll include a list of common species and their hardiness). Secondly, most Cyps need a lot of room to expand their rhizomes, because they will (or at least should) be left undisturbed here for many years. Over time they'll form large clumps, and they don't tolerate competition. Most species and hybrids should have a hole about 16" deep and at least 12" wide. Granted Cyp roots are quite shallow, they should still have a deep hole for lots of drainage material at the bottom. Note that vigorous hybrids and large species like reginae need wider holes to accommodate their large rootstocks.

With the hole dug, line it with landscape fabric to keep weeds out and add 10" of drainage material. The roots of the plant only need 6" of soil on top of this. Add 2-3" of the soil mix to the drainage layer, then spread the roots over this horizontally and fill the hole, without patting down. Then water thoroughly. The tips of the growth buds (on dormant plants) should be about an inch below the soil surface.

The next volume will be on species/hybrid hardiness and soil composition.