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Annuals/ladyslipper

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Expert: - 5/27/2007


Question
Hello - I found a flower wich looks like a lady slipper = but was told it was not and is rare look alike that blooms once every seven years - would you happen to know the name of such a look alike so I can look it up and see if I was informed correctly - thank you

Answer
Ladyslipper is an Orchid.  I cannot think of another flower that resembles this one.  There are believe it or not quite a few flowers that take 5, 6, 7, even 8 years to bloom and wait that long before re-blooming: Strelitzia reginae 'Bird of Paradise'. Titan Arum 'Corpse Flower'.  Paphiopedilum 'Ladyslipper Orchid'.  

One of the prettier specimens is the Karvy Flower:

http://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Karvy.html

This does not look like a Ladyslipper.

Are you sure you DON'T have a Ladyslipper Orchid?  Please view the photos on this website:

http://www.wickfordorchids.com/paphiopedilum_orchids_for_sale.htm

and confirm this is DEFINITELY not a Ladyslipper.

If you are correct and you are certain this is not a Ladyslipper Orchid, can you tell me where you live and where you found this plant?  It will help me answer your question better.  Thanks.

Annuals

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Long Island Gardener

Expertise

Decisions, decisions... If you can't make up your mind which Annuals to grow, you're not alone. Problem with your new flowering Annuals flats? I`ve been there, done that. Petunias, Sweet Alyssum, Larkspur, Marine Blue Lobelia -- they all grow here at my house on Garden Street on Long Island, N.Y.. Cutting and Cottage Gardens, Sun and Shade Gardens, White Gardens and Night Gardens, I`ve done them all. Annuals are the perfect summer flower, bursting with color June through fall's first frost. I can`t speak on Cactus or tender Tropical Plants -- they don`t grow outside in my Zone 7. I`m no Farmer, so I cannot guide you on Fruits and Vegetables. But whether it`s an Annual you want to start from seed, mail-order or pick up at your local garden center, I can help you grow amazing blooms this Summer. Yes, together, we can turn your neighbors green with envy.

Experience

I have a lifetime of gardening behind me here on the North Shore of Long Island. While I have degrees in related fields, there's nothing like hands-on work to build real knowledge. I stay on top of current science -- there's a boom in research, and Kingdom Plantae is filled with surprises. By the way, I really do live on Garden Street.

Publications
Gannett newspapers, The New York Times, and hundreds of others - but not on Annuals.

Education/Credentials
B.A., botany; graduate credits in European Intellectual History and Political Science; minor coursework in related fields, docent training at our local botanical gardens (required for volunteers). I'm currently working on an advanced biochemistry degree.

Awards and Honors
I could tell you, but then you'd know who I am.

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