Groundcover Revolution by Kathy Jentz

Author:Kathy Jentz
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Cool Springs Press
Published: 2023-03-15T00:00:00+00:00

Epimedium

EPIMEDIUM, BARRENWORT, BISHOP’S HAT, FAIRY WINGS

EpimediumEpimedium spp.

Height

6 inches (15 cm)

Winter hardiness

-30°F to -20°F (-34°C to -29°C), depending on the species

Evergreen

yes; semi-evergreen

Bloom time

early spring

Spread speed

moderate

Sun exposure

shade to partial shade

Soil type

adaptable; prefer well-draining

Native range

Asia

Epimedium (Epimedium spp.) is a semi-evergreen perennial that forms clumps and spreads about a half-foot (15 cm) per year until reaching an eventual mature size of about a yard (90 cm) wide. The blooms resemble sprays of tiny orchids.

Flowers appear in early- to mid-spring and then disappear. In the cold days of autumn, the leaves of many epimedium cultivars take on a beautiful rusty-red hue.

The last few decades have seen an increasing interest in this tough plant and hybridizers have been busy introducing many new selections with mottled and variegated foliage of various shapes, as well as different flower colors and combinations. Be aware that some of the newer selections are not as hardy or suited for groundcover use. (See cultivar box for the most-reliable selections.)

Since the flowers are only around for a few weeks, the leaves are the main focus of this plant. They often have a serrated edge that looks sharp yet is not prickly to the touch. The leaf shape can be narrow like an arrowhead or broad like a small hosta or begonia.

The flowers and foliage appear delicate, but don’t let that fool you! This groundcover can run roughshod over other plants such as English ivy. It is particularly great at suppressing weeds and swallowing fallen leaves under large, established trees.

Epimedium does well at the front edge of borders, along pathways, and as a filler plant in between other shade perennials, shrubs, and trees.

It prefers shade and the leaves will develop a crispy, burnt edge if situated in too much sun. They like to have their roots in rich, well-draining soils with plenty of organic matter. However, epimediums are generally very tolerant of nutrient-poor sandy soils or dense clay soils as well. It is an ideal plant for dry shade spots, where many other groundcover plants fail.

This is a very low-maintenance plant. Cut back the tattered foliage in late winter/early spring before new growth begins. This allows for the tiny flowers to emerge and be seen to better advantage.

After about three years in the garden, the plant can be divided and spread around to different spots. This is best done in spring or autumn.

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