I was thinking the Large yellows- sense they are easier then C Reagine. I found a lab reared source. So its not putting pressure on wild populations. and within the law.


My questions are Soil amendments right now its in a partly shaded location to mostly shaded clayish loom soil that is pretty heavy and i want to amend it so the plants don't die. I was thinking leaves/ compost/ and some perilte for added drainage

I don't know a thing about Cypripedium Orchids because they don't grow here in Florida but this page at Plant Delight's lists different species and information about the proper soil for the different types: http://www.plantdelights.com/A...

In addition to proper soil preparation you need to have patience. Your lab-grown seedlings will be tiny and you may not see any flowers for 3-5 years. You are fortunate to live in Minnesota where the climate suits this type of plant.

Got my first (and only) C. Reginae plant at our local swap from a woman who grows them here in Savannah, Georgia.

Here is a place in Massachusetts that grows the plants in the lab; you can get info about varieties which may be easier for you to grow.
http://www.hillsidenursery.biz...
http://www.hillsidenursery.biz...

Mine are going to be near blooming size plants not seedlings so shouldn't be too long (I hope) My main issue is the tree in the back in the neighbors, it might be cut down as its dying so I will need to shade the spot someday.

Rather than just amending the soil, it could be a good idea to make a raised bed or plant on a slope as this will be much better for drainage.
I think you will have a lot of good information here: http://www.lidaforsgarden.com/...
I once considered planting a few, but with the slug and deer population here, I thought it seemed as a bit expensive food source

Gee, Alex that seems like a risky plant to spend a lot of money on. They're very delicate and known to not transplant easily as well. That's why they're so costly.

I know... I added the leaves/oak/ and the vermiculite and the perilite to airate the soil. Hopefully they do well. If I cant shade the spot though... I will need to wait until that tree is felled- knowing the idiot who runs it, it will be only happen after a tragic event(- large storm or something has happened and it comes down naturally. I pray it don't hit ours or the neighbors house) and find something other than lady slippers that will grow in full sun.

tommarow I should know more.
will keep you guys posted.

Well the owner of our house got back to me on it.


he said a shading device is fine and that i can do it when the tree is cut down . I added compost leaves and vermiculite and perlite to the site as stated above . Tonight I'll call up the place and see about ordering some to try.

I really think you'll be taking a big risk, Alex. Why do you want this plant so badly?

These orchids cost a lot, don't transplant easily, only bloom for a week (if you're lucky) once a year and don't even have a lot of good looking foliage to show for the rest of the season. If you're ordering online they'll have to be shipped so that will increase the risk that they won't survive.

Please listen, and spend your money on something more dependable that will also be more worth the money. Hostas are beautiful, hardy perennials for shade that bloom for a long time, come back faithfully, and increase so you can divide and spread them around. You could probably buy 3 or 4 nice big plants for the cost of one cypripedium.

One of the key words that jumped out at me was 'the owner of the house'. Is there a clause in your lease agreement stating that anything planted in the ground belongs to the landlord? If so, he could dig up or trample the plant any time he wants. Please take your time making such an expensive decision.

Okay will do.

Great Lakes Orchid, no longer has smaller plants on offer. But it has the best directions for care of cyps of any site I have seen.

http://greatlakesorchids.com/

Here'a an idea that won't cost any money. See if there are local garden clubs with members who are growing these; perhaps you can work out a trade to get some from a local person. Also, if you have a FreeCycle network in your area you can make a 'wanted' post and hope someone answers.