Easy to grow, Cypripedium Emil (Lady's Slipper Orchid) is a vigorous hardy orchid noted for its intensely colored flowers. Blooming in late spring, the ravishing blossoms feature a bright yellow pouch surrounded by dark burgundy, twisted sepals. The sophisticated flowers are borne on upright stems above the foliage of oval, prominently veined leaves. Emil is an orchid hybrid from Germany's Werner Frosch that results from a cross between the European lady's slipper (Cypripedium calceolus) and the North American yellow lady's slipper (Cypripedium parviflorum). Cold-hardy, Emil will slowly multiply to form a showy clump within a few years. A pretty orchid to grow in the garden or in patio containers.

• Grows up to 12-18 in. tall and wide (30-45 cm).
• Thrives in part shade (ideally with some morning sun) in moist, fertile, humus-rich, slightly alkaline, well-drained soils. Site in a sheltered location. Provide an annual winter mulch of leaf mold.
• Excellent choice for borders, city gardens, cottage gardens, underplanting shrubs and roses, and containers.
• Propagate by division in early or mid-spring and replant immediately. Some soil from the root ball, which contains beneficial fungi, should be planted with each division.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for slugs and gray molds.