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My Ladyslippers need help!! #871316

Asked June 03, 2024, 1:31 PM EDT

I have 3 varieties of lady slippers planted. The Reginea seems to be doing ok this year (I just planted it last year), but the other two (I apologize I don't have the names right off hand) are not thriving. I am wondering if it is possible to have the soil tested to see what I need to do to help them. I get 1 very small stem, but it doesn't grow during the season and hasn't flowered. Is this a service that is offered? Please advise. Thank you!

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thanks for your question.

If you would like to have your soil tested, the UM’s Soil Testing Laboratory can provide this service for a slight charge. See:

https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden

Besides some type of soil deficiency, growth issues with Lady Slippers are more often than not due to other causes. Keep in mind that it is a slow-growing plant. In fact, the plant grows best in soils having a poor nutrient content. See:

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/rsg/profile.html?action=elementDetail&selectedElement=PMORC0Q050

https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/stemless-ladys-slipper

https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/cypripedium_reginae.shtml

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snapshots/plants/showyladysslipper.html

Good luck. Please get back to us with any further, related questions. Thanks for consulting our forum.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 03, 2024, 4:33 PM EDT

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