The easiest Cypripedium candidate

[Clark Thomas Riley]

I have been trying a large number of Cypripedium species and hybrids for the last 40 years and currently am keeping about 20 alive or better. The one standout is my Cypripedium pubescens (Willd. Hort. Berol. 1: 13 (1804)) 'Vigrous', planted as a single growth rhizome from a Michigan wildflower nursery in 1985. It has steadily increased to about 70 flowering stems, some of which are double flowered. It is situated in open shade beneath tulip poplar trees. The soil is a neutral clay/loam without amendments. Companion plants include bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), twin leaf (Jeffersonia diphylla), and great Solomon's seal (Polygonatum biflorum). I am preparing a new raised bed specifically for propagating this one for future distribution. This plant has never been bothered by deer or rabbit, presumably because of toxicity. It has thrived through decades of summers above 100°F, winters near 0°F, droughts, and hurricane rains.

 

[Paphluvr]

This was the first species I thought of when I saw the title of your thread. Very nice and can still be found growing wild here in MI.

 

[Clark Thomas Riley]

I am looking for the flavum variety. I have photos of them over many years but hope that someone is propagating it.

 

[Happypaphy7]

I love this one and the European variety with darker brown petals.

 

[PeteM]

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I have been trying a large number of Cypripedium species and hybrids for the last 40 years and currently am keeping about 20 alive or better. The one standout is my Cypripedium pubescens (Willd. Hort. Berol. 1: 13 (1804)) 'Vigrous', planted as a single growth rhizome from a Michigan wildflower nursery in 1985. It has steadily increased to about 70 flowering stems, some of which are double flowered. It is situated in open shade beneath tulip poplar trees. The soil is a neutral clay/loam without amendments. Companion plants include bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), twin leaf (Jeffersonia diphylla), and great Solomon's seal (Polygonatum biflorum). I am preparing a new raised bed specifically for propagating this one for future distribution. This plant has never been bothered by deer or rabbit, presumably because of toxicity. It has thrived through decades of summers above 100°F, winters near 0°F, droughts, and hurricane rains.

Would love to give this a shot. I’m putting it on my list. Thanks for the post Clark.

 

[Linus_Cello]

Clark- who was the vendor for this Cyp?

 

[Clark Thomas Riley]

It was about 35 years ago, but I recall it was something like Michigan Wildflower Nursery. They’ve been out of business for at least 15 years.