Cypripedium xandrewsii, Cyp xfavillianum and Cyp Favillianum
Cyp candidum x Cyp parviflorum var. pubescens
This hybrid occurs in nature and was originally named Cypripedium xfavillianum. However, another natural hybrid occurs between Cyp candidum and Cyp parviflorum var makasin called Cyp xandrewsii. This name was applied earlier so, since all naturally-occurring parviflorum hybrids with candidum must have the same name, precedence must be given to andrewsii. If one wishes to refer to the natural hybrid with a particular variety, then it is more correct to refer to them as Cyp xandrewsii nothovar andrewsii and Cyp xandrewsii nothovar favillianum. Given the recognition of several varieties of parviflorum by the RHS, the hybrid name Cyp Favillianum was awarded to the artificially-produced hybrid.
Click on thumbnail to open larger image. Press "back" on browser to return.
Cypripedium Favillianum on the first day following the opening of the flowers. Note the cream coloration, reflective of its Cyp. parviflorum var. pubescens parentage.
The same specimen of Cypripedium Favillianum four days following the opening of the flowers. In this hybrid, the flowers become very white after a few days, reflective of its Cyp. candidum parentage.
A group shot of a new planting of Cyp candidum, the very short plants in the foreground with the tiny flower, and its two hybrids with Cyp parviflorum: Cyp Favillianum, the plant on the left with the largest flowers, is the hybrid with the Large Yellow Ladsyslipper, Cyp parviflorum var pubescens, whereas the plants in the upper right and center with the intermediate-size flowers are Cyp xandrewsii, the hybrid with the Small Yellow Ladyslipper.
