Tulips and roses make
beautiful garden flowers, but if you are looking to really stand out, you
should consider the
Hardy Orchid, Cypripedium, ‘Ulla Silken’, also known as Ulla Lady’s
Slipper orchid. Hardy garden orchids are easy to plant, easy to care for,
perennial, and amazingly beautiful in the garden. Hardy garden orchids are a favorite
among gardeners because of their simple care, their beautiful colors, and their
resistance to cold environments. If you are looking for something to plant in
your garden this season that is colorful, unique, rewarding, and easy to
maintain, then the Ulla Lady’s Slipper hardy orchid is for you.
Cypripedium
prefers soil that is low in organic matter and has good draining properties.
Airing the soil is recommended, using a mineral substrate (at least 50%) such
as sand, Argex, pouzzolane or ideally lava stone (Vulcan). As organic matter, a
little finely crushed pine bark or some compost based on coconut leaves or fibers
could be added.
It is
important not only that the rhizomes of the Cypripedium do not desiccate in
summer but also that they are not immersed in winter. The various mineral
substrates will ensure good moisture retention in summer while encouraging good
drainage during the winter.
During
the winter, the plant persists in rhizome form and does not require any special
protection.
The
new Cypripedium shoots usually appear during April. Once started, the
vegetation grows very quickly; in 3 to 5 weeks, the foliage has opened out. ulla
silkens The flowering extends
from the end of April to June. At the end of the summer, the foliage yellows
then fades before disappearing completely. Cypripedium then go into their
winter dormancy.
Over
the years and following the successive growth and dormancy cycles, Cypripedium
not only become stronger but also multiplies, thanks to the annual appearance
of new shoots.
The
Ulla Lady’s Slipper orchid prefers a sheltered location with filtered light in
the yard, avoiding both full sun and profound shade. They are hsardy orchids,
which means that they can withstand temperatures of -30°C during the winter.
Once you have selected a place in your yard for your hardy orchid, prepare a
soil mixture that is not too heavy, and that drains well. Orchids prefer a soil
mixture that is not composed of heavy organic materials, like compost, but
instead one that is mixed with sand or small stones to aid in drainage. It is
recommended that the mixture be one half sand, or stones, and the other half
soil. Volcanic stones or small pebbles will also work too. The perfect soil mix
will ensure that your orchid is able to retain enough moisture in the summer
while at the same time, avoiding overwatering in the winter months.
Once
the soil mixture is prepared, and added to the planting location in your yard,
plant the rhizomes in late winter to early spring. The leaves begin to show in
April and grow quite vigorously. The flowers begin to appear in May and June
and are a pink-mauve color. Once the flowers have faded in late summer, the
foliage begins to yellow as the days become hotter and longer. The foliage will
then quickly disappear and the orchid plant will retreat into rhizomes that can
be left in place preparing for their winter dormancy. The ability to leave
these hardy orchids in the ground though the fall and winter months makes them
the perfect addition to low maintenance gardens. They also do well in potted gardens,
patio gardens, and container gardens. It is important to make sure that they
have enough space to grow and that the pots or containers that they are in have
enough drainage so they do not freeze or drown in their soil.
