Overview
Epimedium grandiflorum 'Violaceum' is a perennial in the genus Epimedium, part of the Berberidaceae family. It typically grows around 0.4 m tall. Epimedium grandiflorum 'Violaceum' grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include groundcover, woodland garden and shade garden. It is native to Japan S Manchuria N Korea.
About
Epimedium grandiflorum 'Violaceum' is a perennial in the Berberidaceae grown for its spring flowering display between April and June. It forms a low mound to about 0.4 m, suited to shaded and sheltered positions. The plant favours partial shade to full shade and tolerates a wide range of soils provided they are well drained. Its native range is Japan, southern Manchuria and northern Korea.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Epimedium grandiflorum
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
In the garden
Epimedium grandiflorum 'Violaceum' belongs to the Berberidaceae and originates from Japan, southern Manchuria and northern Korea. It reaches roughly 0.4 m and produces its main display in spring, flowering from April to June. The cultivar keeps a low habit suitable for understorey planting in cooler, shaded areas. For planting give partial shade or full shade in a sheltered spot. It will grow in sandy, loamy or clay soils and accepts acidic, neutral or alkaline pH; the key is that soils remain well drained or at least moist but well drained rather than waterlogged. In UK terms this is a fully hardy selection (H7) and corresponds broadly to USDA zones 4–8, so it should withstand winter conditions across most of Britain without winter protection. Use Epimedium grandiflorum 'Violaceum' as a ground cover or in a woodland and shade garden where it can sit at the front of beds or beneath taller perennials and trees. Its modest height and spring flowering make it particularly useful where a low, sheltered carpet of foliage and spring flowers is required rather than a focal, tall specimen.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Epimedium
- Sunlight
- partial shade, shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- acidic, neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Epimedium grandiflorum 'Violaceum' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Height
- 0.4 m
- Suggested uses
- groundcover, woodland garden, shade garden
- Native to
- Japan S Manchuria N Korea
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Epimedium grandiflorum 'Violaceum'
- Cultivation
- Prefers humus-rich, well-drained soil; keep moist but not waterlogged; mulch in winter
- Pruning
- Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but slow
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Epimedium grandiflorum 'Violaceum'?
Prefers humus-rich, well-drained soil; keep moist but not waterlogged; mulch in winter.
Where is the best place to plant Epimedium grandiflorum 'Violaceum'?
Epimedium grandiflorum 'Violaceum' prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Epimedium grandiflorum 'Violaceum' need?
Epimedium grandiflorum 'Violaceum' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Epimedium grandiflorum 'Violaceum'?
Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
How big does Epimedium grandiflorum 'Violaceum' grow?
Epimedium grandiflorum 'Violaceum' reaches a height of 0.4 m.
Is Epimedium grandiflorum 'Violaceum' hardy in the UK?
Epimedium grandiflorum 'Violaceum' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Epimedium grandiflorum 'Violaceum'?
Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but slow.
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