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 4.0 — Epimedium
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
- Epimedium perralderianumPerraudière's barrenwort
- Epimedium × perralchicumbarrenwort

- Epimedium × versicolorbarrenwort
- Epimedium × versicolor 'Versicolor'Barrenwort
- Epimedium × warleyenseWarley epimedium

- Epimedium × youngianumYoung's barrenwort

- Epimedium x perr. 'Frohnleiten'Barrenwort
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