Overview

Epimedium grandiflorum 'Lilafee' is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Epimedium, part of the Berberidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Epimedium grandiflorum 'Lilafee' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, flower borders and beds, underplanting of roses and shrubs, garden edging and ground cover. It is native to Japan and Korea.

About

Epimedium grandiflorum 'Lilafee' (barrenwort 'Lilafee') is a bushy, deciduous herbaceous perennial in the Berberidaceae family. It grows to a height and spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This cultivar thrives in partial shade with a preference for east-, north-, or west-facing, sheltered aspects. It grows well in moist but well-drained soils including chalk, loam, and sand, with acid to neutral pH. 'Lilafee' is notable for its interest in both spring and winter seasons.

About the genus

Epimedium, also known as barrenwort, bishop's hat, fairy wings, horny goat weed, or yin yang huo, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Berberidaceae. The majority of the species are endemic to China, with smaller numbers elsewhere in Asia and a few in the Mediterranean region.

Wikipedia contributors, "Epimedium", CC BY-SA 4.0Epimedium

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Epimedium

Sunlight
Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Epimedium grandiflorum 'Lilafee' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Garden edging, Ground cover
Native to
Japan, Korea

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Epimedium grandiflorum 'Lilafee'

Cultivation
Prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Suitable for sheltered garden locations. Tolerates a range of soil types including chalk, loam, and sand with acid to neutral pH.
Pruning
Remove old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges to maintain plant health and appearance.
Propagation
Division in autumn or after flowering
Pest resistance
Vine weevil
Disease resistance
Virus diseases

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Epimedium grandiflorum 'Lilafee'?

Prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Suitable for sheltered garden locations. Tolerates a range of soil types including chalk, loam, and sand with acid to neutral pH.

Where is the best place to plant Epimedium grandiflorum 'Lilafee'?

Epimedium grandiflorum 'Lilafee' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Epimedium grandiflorum 'Lilafee' need?

Epimedium grandiflorum 'Lilafee' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

How do I prune Epimedium grandiflorum 'Lilafee'?

Remove old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges to maintain plant health and appearance.

How big does Epimedium grandiflorum 'Lilafee' grow?

Epimedium grandiflorum 'Lilafee' reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.

Is Epimedium grandiflorum 'Lilafee' hardy in the UK?

Epimedium grandiflorum 'Lilafee' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.

How do I propagate Epimedium grandiflorum 'Lilafee'?

Division in autumn or after flowering.

More in the Epimedium genus

Browse all Epimedium

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