Epimedium Black Sea

Such an easy and rewarding plant to grow. In a cold autumn/winter, the leaves will turn a beautiful red/purple/black shade which lasts into spring, providing an amazing contrast to the blooms. The new leaves have a red blush before maturing to mid green. It is quick to settle and will quickly form a nice clump. The flowers open on airy stems high above the foliage, each is around 2cm across and combines yellow, peach and red tones.

Epimediums have a lot to offer, and the prosper in the most inhospitable of conditions, dry shade. They are clump forming, rhizomatous perennials native to woodland areas. They grow best in humus rich, well drained soils. Plant in a part shade to filtered light position.

Epimediums are good for planting beneath trees or shrubs such as Hydrangeas, in shaded borders, as shady ground covers or, in well cared for pots.

Fertilise and mulch Epimediums in winter, they love the soil to be rich in composting leaves so don't hold back with dumping them on when they fall in autumn. They spread by underground rhizomes, at a moderate rate, it is no brute. Divide your Epimedium clumps every 3-5 years and don’t forget to protect new foliage from the threat of slugs and snails.

Cut back your Epimedium foliage late winter or spring, to allow the new leaves and flowers to shine, just as you would a Hellebore/Winter Rose.

Epimediums are also known as Barrenwort, Bishop’s Hats and Horny Goat Weed.