This is the first time Cyp smithii has bloomed for me. Some authorities consider Cyp smithii to be a synonym of Cyp calcicolum. This is a Chinese species that I have grown in a pot until now, but I will plant it outside this fall once it has become dormant.


http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y100/fundulopanchax/Cypripedium/Cypsmithii.jpg

Ron Burch

This one is also gorgeous!

That's an awsome flower Ron. Are you going to get some seed going on that one?

Yes, I will self it as well as using it to cross Cyp reginae alba (if the pollen is still good then in the refrigerator-reginae alba will not bloom until early June.

Ron

Hi Ron that is a neat flower. Will that grow in Z4a Southern MN

From what I have heard, this species should be hardy outside with good mulch and snow cover in zone 4.

Ron

that sure is a differnt looking pouch and very deep rich colors :clap:

outstanding color on that one! where is it native to?

This species is native to Sichaun and Hualang provinces in China and a very few other spots. At this link there is a photo of blooming wild C smithii (C calcicolum in the legend) as well as its rather rugged and beautiful habitat. If you read others of Penner's series at this site (What's up in Hualang Part 1, Part 2 etc, you will see other photos of the plant in situ

http://www.cypripedium.de/forum/messages/1706.html

Ron Burch

Thanks for the link! Beautiful pics of the Chinese Cyps in their native habitat!

I love seeing slippers in their native habitat, what an excellent site, thanks!

I'm pumped, It looks just like my back yard.

WOW!!!! AMAZING! I would love to grow some of those!

Hi Ron
How did it o with seedlings?
Where You able to cross it with the pure alba reginae (why the pure white by the way)?
Could it be possible to cross it with Your dark Cyp mac to get dark colours on the hybride aswell?
This would be a good partner for dark hybrids I presume, (if they are compatable).

Did You plant it in the garden now when it is going dormant or what did You do?

Good luck and thanks for the nice pictures

Joakim

Hi, Joakim,

It is in the garden now. I crossed with the macranthos alba since the plant in question is very sturdy whereas most smithii seem a bit more finicky. A cross with the dark macranthos is a good idea - macranthos tend to become more luxious (at least in photos!) than smithii. I am looking for additional mature specimens to provide more raw material but have not located another one this fall.

Ron

How did I miss this one? The color is absolutely amazing! :clap:

Super flower, picture and site!

thanks