Heidi’s Sneek Peak – #2 – Lady’s Slipper

 

Slippers for 2013? 

You may have heard that saying about never having too many shoes, and if that is in fact the case then we have restocked our shelves!  Over the past couple of years we have been able to offer native Yellow Lady’s Slipper.  For the 2013 spring season we have brought in a fresh batch and have expanded our selection.  This spring we are able to offer 2 forms of the Yellow Lady’s Slipper, “Lesser” or Small Yellow Lady’s Slipper, Cypripedium parviflorum, and “Greater” or Large Yellow Lady’s Slipper, Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens.  In addition to these we will also have, our Minnesota State flower, the rare and unique “Showy” or Pink-and-White/Queen’s Lady’s Slipper, Cypripedium reginae.

These three varieties of Native Orchids are relatively easy to grow as long as you are able provide them with the right growing conditions.  In their natural Minnesota habitat Lady’s-slipper Orchids thrive in woodland settings with organic, alkaline soils that are moist but well drained (not swampy).  They want a cool root zone and dappled or morning sun.  If you can provide these light, moisture and soil conditions by amending the right location then you should be “good to grow”!  As I tend the Lady’s Slippers in my own garden, and here at the nursery, I can’t help but feel as though I’m helping to protect a small piece of our Minnesota Heritage.

Let us be your guide…When you stop in to “sneak a peek”, describe your soil and planting site.  We can help you select soil amendment(s) and make suggestions to help you create the right environment.

“Keep Growing Minnesota!”