About
A clump-forming, evergreen perennial, to around 40cm high, with narrowly heart-shaped green leaves flushed with bronze. Spidery flowers, with narrow, deep maroon-coloured spurs tipped with yellow, are borne on subtle stems above the leaves in spring.
About the genus
Epimedium are rhizomatous perennials with evergreen or deciduous, ternately or pinnately divided leaves, and open sprays of small, bowl-shaped flowers, often with prominent spurs, in mid to late spring
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade, with shelter from cold, drying winds. Where frosts are prolonged or severe, spread an organic mulch such as leaf mould or composted bark to protect plants over winter
PruningClip back old leaves in late winter or early spring, before new flower spikes form
PropagationPropagate by division in autumn or after flowering; or by root cuttings of rhizomes, kept under glass in winter, and planted out after all danger of frost has passed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to virus diseases