Another classic genus for the meconopsis garden, is Cypripedium. When I first started these were available in the trade but almost certainly dug up in the wild. They were difficult to establish and most would have been lost. Recently Cypripediums have been added to the list of orchids that can be flask cultured. These can still be difficult to establish permanently in the garden. This particular plant I have had for 30 years and in a good year produces 20 to 30 flowers. They should never be moved and trying to divide a good clump can be a recipe for disaster but once happy they are wonderful plants with very large flowers. This species is C. macranthum (sometimes listed as C. macranthos) but only one name can be right and I prefer the former and was collected N.W. of the Himalayas. It is very widespread right into China and is a very hardy species.