Site Selection Look for a site that will receive a healthy dose of morning sun (4 hours), while being shaded during the heat of the afternoon.
Bed Preparation These Cypripedium do best when grown in well-drained, raised beds of sand or gravelly loam.
Soil pH The pH of a bed should be adjusted towards or above neutral, using bagged garden lime or oyster shells. If the local geology is of a limestone bedrock, the ideal pH of 7.5 may already exist.
Mulching The mulching of beds is necessary as an aid in the slowing down of the moisture evaporation from the soil, prolonging cooler temperatures and protecting the plant through winter dormancy.
Water and Fertilization Treat these plants as though they are a luscious Kentucky bluegrass lawn, making sure they get about 1" of water a week. They enjoy a typical all-purpose fertilizer (10-10-10) at a diluted strength of 25%. Fertilize twice monthly through July.
Planting Depth Plant with the growth bud about 1" deep, spreading roots flat downward.
If you have any specific questions before or after purchasing your rescued wildflower or plant, please do not hesitate to contact us at contact@wildflowerrescue.com
Wildflower Rescue is a CITES certified rescue nursery. All cypripediums (lady's slippers) and other rescued plants have been rescued and recorded in accordance with the USDA and the Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture. All rescued plants collected by Wildflower Rescue are done so with respect for the plant, landowner and the State of Minnesota Statute 18H.18 "The Conservation of Certain Wildflowers."
