Cyps

[Doug]

In my raised bed bog garden, the clump of Cypripedium parviflorum has already shot up (less then 1") next years shoots. Is this normal? But my clump of C.pubescens are not showing any signs of emergence. I usually mulch the plants over winter but they just recently started turning brown and are still standing. The temps here in Maryland have only dipped down into the high 30's a few times so far with most nights in the mid 40's to 50's.
So,should I heavily mulch now?
Thanks....

 

[Linus_Cello]

I would mulch when temps get to below freezing consistently. Some light frost ok (unless you have really temperature sensitive cyps).

 

[PaphMadMan]

It sounds like the normal over winter buds, the source of next year's growth, are exposed on the Cyp parv. Shouldn't be a problem. Wait for consistently colder weather to mulch, unless you get a prediction of a sudden deep freeze.

 

[KyushuCalanthe]

A little mulch is good insurance against them getting frost bit, but this species is very cold tolerant. I have the same issue here with C. formosanum - next year's buds are always at, or a bit above, ground level.