Cypripedium Emil

Cypripedium 'Emil' is a hybrid resulting from the cross-breeding of two Lady's Slipper Orchids, terrestrial orchids native to Europe and North America. Easier to cultivate than its parents, this variety is particularly attractive due to its enchanting flowers. In late spring, large flowers appear, consisting of dark, deep red-purple sepals which strongly contrast with the swollen, bright yellow lower lip. The bright light green foliage offers a perfect complementary colour to the remarkably patterned flowers. This very hardy plant thrives in cool temperate climates, in neutral to slightly alkaline, moist and well-drained soil, and in a sun-protected location.

Cypripedium is one of the 850 genera in the Orchidaceae family, the second largest in terms of species after the Asteraceae (formerly Compositae) family. Extremely diverse, represented in almost all natural environments, except deserts and bodies of water, the family includes both epiphytic species (using trees as support) and terrestrial species. While 95% of the species are tropical and subtropical, a few thousand are native to temperate countries.
Developed by German breeder Werner Frosch and introduced to the market in 1993, 'Emil' was named in honour of Emil Lueckel, a German botanist and former president of the German Orchid Society. This variety is the result of crossing the Cypripedium calceolus, Lady's Slipper Orchid from Europe, mainly found in the Alps in France (and less frequently in other mountain ranges), and the C. parviflorum, a species from North America that grows in moist forests with rich soils.
'Emil' is a deciduous orchid, which grows from a perennial sucker, spreading each year to form a clump. A well-developed plant, in humus-bearing, rich, moist, and well-drained soil, can produce up to 24 flowers within 3 to 4 years. The leaves emerge between April and May and are wide, long and elliptical, a beautiful bright light green with a silver-green underside and visible parallel longitudinal veins. The leaves are sheathing at the base and alternate on the stems, which measure approximately 35 to 45 cm in height. From mid-May, depending on the region, the famous Lady's Slipper flowers appear, composed of three sepals and three petals, with the lower one called the lip. The petals and sepals of this variety are reddish-purple, except for the lip, which is yellow. The two lateral petals are narrow and very long, curiously twisted like a corkscrew. The lip, on the other hand, forms a kind of large oval pouch, resembling a comfortable slipper. With a bright yellow colour, marked with discreet purple veins, it contrasts both in shape and colour with the other floral parts. Measuring about 10 cm in width, the flowers have an irresistible beauty, and their incredible pattern captures attention in the garden. The flowering period lasts for a month, sometimes more, providing a strong focal point of interest, especially when the clump has developed and bears numerous flowers.

Cypripedium 'Emil' is easier to cultivate than its parents, but still requires special attention. The secret to its success is to find a good location, in partial shade, protected from strong sunlight, in humus-bearing soil that remains moist throughout the year, especially in summer, while also being well-drained. It doesn't mind the cold but quickly deteriorates in dry conditions. You can plant it alongside Columbines (Aquilegia) and other flowers with sophisticated patterns in a wide range of colours. To extend the flowering period of your scene, plant a Bergenia 'Dragonfly Angel Kiss', whose small pale pink flowers will bloom in April-May on glossy dark green foliage. The beautiful Hart's Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium) will also be good company, with its long "deer tongue" leaves of bright green. And for winter flowers, a clump of Helleborus niger 'Maximus' will be perfect with its white corollas from December to March.