A slipper made for a Queen

Here again is the Cyprigedium calceolus (Yellow Lady Slipper) I posted this a few days ago, but now it has opened. This little guy is a show stopper. There is more about it in the previous post.

A Lady's Slipper

Cyprigedium calceolus (Yellow Lady Slipper) it is a member of the Orchid family.

What a beautiful plant this is. The flower is just coming on now and has a few days to go. This is another Wood-land plant from the Ontario Peninsula (for the description of the Ontario Peninsula it is two entries down in the Jack in the Pulpit). 
These are delicate plants that do not like disturbance. This is a must know for a gardener. Be sure to plant it where it can stay for years to come.

Warning: Never pick the flowers as it can take up to seven years for it to re bloom if you do. This is not always the case, but, why take the chance. Also this plant is very toxic, so enjoy it, but show it due respect.

For my former Baby-sitter Terry G.

Here are a few pictures of the Arisaema tryphyllum (Jack in the Pulpit). I have put up the explanation in the posting just below this one. I hope you all enjoy this flower. It happens to be one of my all time favourites. I also know it is Terry G's. favourite!!!!! What I enjoy the most about this flower is the under side that you do not see unless you lift the lid!!! O!!, my Thumb Nail is actually not as dirty as it should be playing in the garden!!!

Also for Ann who commented to-day here it is. I hope that you enjoy it as well. The flower will become more pronounced as time goes on and I will post it then.

Jack in the Pulpit

Arisaema triphyllum  (Jack in the Pulpit)  is a wood land native to South Eastern Ontario, and the Niagara Region which is part of it. Or the Eastern part of the Ontario Peninsula. That is the area that is framed by Lake Huron to the North, North-West, Lake Erie to the South and Lake Ontario up to Toronto to the East. They are a wonderful plant and very interesting to look at. They remind me of the Calla Lily with top folded over.

 


Description:  Jack-in-the-pulpit produces one to two 3-lobed leaves up to a half meter  high. The leaves appear in early spring as does the flower, which is composed of a green-and-purple striped spathe bent over at its tip to partly hide the green club-like spadix. After the flower fades, a cluster of bright red berries appears and lasts for much of the summer. The leaves fade away in midsummer if the plant is not watered regularly but grow back in spring from an underground tuber.

Growing: This plant naturally grows on rich, moist forest floors and so is perfectly suited to shady gardens. Add plenty of compost or peat moss at planting time.

Propagating: By offsets or seed sown 1 cm deep. Seed sown in fall germinates the following spring.

Uses: Plant near a path or the front of the garden where its surprising flowers will be noticed. Jack-in-the-pulpit is an ideal choice for shady spots in the wild flower garden.

Related species: Green Dragon (Arisaema dracontium), a native of North America, has a green flower like that of its cousin but with a long, pointed hip-like spadix and a small spathe. Its deeply divided leaves and red berries make it attractive for long periods.