Cyp. Ulla Silkins in my garden - something a little different

[Dorsetman]

My Christmas present from my wife , December 2008 , was three crowns of this Cyp. Knowing them to be so expensive - in garden plants terms ( about £30, US$50 each) I put one in one place and two in another. The one appeared briefly and has not been seen since. The two, prospered - 2 growths and 1 flower in 2009, 2 flowers and another four growths in 2010, 4 flowers, 3 buds, and 7 other growths .total 14 growths this year - I'm on my way to what I call a nice clump of plants - a garden size clump. ( I usually buy herbaceous stuff - lupins, delphiniums, paeonies, lilies etc in 5s - but 5 of these things is a bit OTT for my pocket money )..
On the back of this success last year I bought three of another hybrid , I think it was C.Hugh , but alas, nothing came up at all. We did have the coldest December ever recorded in UK, but I think the main problem was that it came before they had a chance to get established , and as you see, it didn't affect the established clump.
Will I try again... ? A difficult question !
Do slipper lovers like this Cyp ?

[gabi_borza]

I love cypripediums! Cypripedium calceolus grows as a wild orchid here in Romania, but it's so rare. It is a protected species here since 1939. Beautiful pattern on the pouch!

[Brutal_Dreamer]

I love this cyp orchid, Geoff! I wish I could grow them here!!

Cheers,
BD

[seetmei]

I love them but not sure how to handle them.

[panam]

Wow, Geoff! Those are fabulous!

[Germinatorman]

Fantastic Geoff, I have been considering taking the plunge. I have access to C. reginae for $35 a crown. Just don't have a bog in my yard.....

[kiwiorchids]

i have wanted one of these for ages, but the last time they were seen here was back in 1983, the garden centre stocking them never sold any, so they just threw them away

[sherene]

oh! They are sooooooooooooo cute.

[pavel]

I like!

[Raver]

I LOVE IT