Cypripedium Philipp - Lady Slipper Orchid

The Cypripedium 'Philipp' is a vigorous hybrid Lady's Slipper whose parentage is visible. It bears the large flowers of the Cypripedium kentuckiense but in a dark pink to purple colour reminiscent of those of the Cypripedium macranthos. The swollen lip is white, widely striated with pink, and topped with twisted petals in a deep pink shade. The plant is relatively easy to grow if you respect the conditions it prefers: a shaded or semi-shaded exposure, as well as a sandy and humus-bearing soil, slightly acidic, remaining somewhat moist but not waterlogged.

The Cypripedium 'Philipp' belongs to the orchid family. It is a hybrid resulting from the Cypripedium kentuckiense and the Cypripedium macranthos. The former is a species with large flowers native to the United States: Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Texas, and Ohio. It is found in deep gorges in mountainous areas. The latter is a species found in the undergrowth and fields of Siberia, Korea, Japan, China, and Taiwan.

The Cypripedium 'Philipp' develops from a fleshy stump from which light green, oval, elliptical leaves emerge in early spring, measuring 12 cm in length, sessile and embracing, with strongly impressed parallel veins—the stump slightly suckers, allowing it to form beautiful colonies eventually. In late spring, around May-June, the plants produce beautiful hairy flower stems for about two weeks, sometimes reaching 80 cm or 1 m above the ground. Each stem bears a solitary flower. The flower is composed of pointed, twisted sepals and petals in a dark pink to purple colour and a large swollen lip that is white with broad pink stripes. Each plant is usually uniflorous. The above-ground vegetation is absent in winter.

The Cypripedium 'Philipp' is well-suited for orchid enthusiasts with little experience. This variety is quite resistant to heat and humidity. It thrives in forest edges, preferring a light soil that retains some moisture without being waterlogged. Plant it in a location with not too intense shade, in a cool rockery, an ideal habitat for it to thrive and enhance your garden with its unique presence. Pair it with a simple fern like Polypodium vulgare and the flowering of Trilliums and Lamium orvala. It also thrives in containers and unheated greenhouses. It is a plant that dislikes heat, drought, and strong winds.

When you receive your orchids, handle them with care: these plants produce few roots and are delicate!