ORCHIDS FOR BEGINNERS 331 



HARDY ORCHIDS 



Many of the most beautiful members of the Orchid family 

 are quite hardy. A group of much interest is that known as 

 the Cypripediums. C. Calceolus is a rare native species, and 

 very charming in colouring. The kinds to choose from are C. 

 spectabile, the most handsome of all ; 7. pubescens, C. Calceolus, 

 C. parviflora, C. occidental, and C. acaule. C. macranthum is 

 difficult to manage. C. spectabile makes a dainty group, its 

 flowers white, rose-tinted, especially upon the labellum, or 

 pouch, and the leafy stems grow to a height of two feet. 

 Hardy Orchids appreciate shade, moisture, and a cool place. 

 The best soil is one composed of rough peat, leaf-mould, 

 and equal parts of silver sand and charcoal, whilst a little 

 sphagnum moss is helpful in imparting moisture to the pre- 

 paration. A cool spot, where Trilliums and moisture-loving 

 things are happy, is suitable for the Orchids. 



The Orchises form another group of much importance, 

 and they need similar soil to that recommended for the Cypri- 

 pediums. O.foliosa is very handsome, with its strong spikes 

 of rosy-purple flowers. A deep but not heavy soil is requi- 

 site for this, and it may be grown also with great success in 

 pots. O. latifolia is the native Marsh Orchis, and O. maculata 

 is also a familiar flower in many countries (superba is a very 

 handsome variety), conspicuous for its spotted and blotched 

 leaves. Then there are the quaint Bee Orchis (Opkrys 

 apifera], the Habenarias and the Fly Orchis (Ophrysmusciferd), 

 which all enjoy moist soil. Many plants are found in full sun 

 on chalky downs, but it is surprising how much stronger is 

 their growth under less starved conditions. Orchis hunting 

 should be discouraged. There is little harm in removing a 

 few plants from some meadow where they abound, but not 

 some rare species probably almost extinct. The time to trans- 

 plant hardy Orchids is in the early autumn, not when they are 

 in flower. When an especially fine form is discovered mark 

 the spot, so that one knows what plant to lift. 



