Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Orchidaceae

Genus:

Cypripedium

Species:

Cypripedium × columbianum

USDA Symbol:

CYCO23

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Epiphyte

Height:

60 cm

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul

Bloom Colors:

white, pink, purple

Garden & Ecology Notes

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

prefers shaded woodland environments

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist then warm stratification (double dormancy) — 90–180 days

Notes:

Cypripedium seeds require symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi for germination; germination in cultivation is extremely difficult without specialized techniques.