Epimedium Alpine Barrenwort

Rich red sepals and yellow petals form these beautiful little blooms in racemes of up to 20. The glossy, heart shaped, toothed leaves emerge with a pink blush before maturing to green, then turning bronze red in autumn.

This was the first Epimedium to be grown in a European garden, so the beginning of what has become a worldwide love affair with these iconic plants. It was sent to the renown Carl Linnaeus from Russia’s Empress, Catherine The Great, Linnaeus named it Epimedium alpinum in 1753.

Epimediums are good for planting beneath trees, in shaded borders, as shady ground covers or in pots.

Epimediums are clump forming rhizomatous perennials native to woodland areas. They grow best in moist, humus rich, sandy soils. They are unlikely to thrive in alkaline conditions. Plant in a part shade to bright light position.

Fertilise and mulch Epimediums in winter, they love the soil to be rich in composting leaves so don't hold back when they fall in autumn. Divide every 3-5 years and protect new foliage from slugs and snails, that is pretty much it.

It is a good idea to cut back your Epimedium foliage late winter or spring, to allow the new leaves and flowers to shine. Just as you would a Hellebore or Winter Rose.

Supplied as: Pots