GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS &
CULTURE:
Culture & Growth Habit:
Epimediums are easy to grow, long-lived shade perennials
that thrive in well-drained, moisture retentive
soils. Although many grow on limestone in China,
they also grow very well here in the acid soils
of New England. They can be planted in partial sun
in northern latitudes, but too much sun will scorch
the leaves. They are tough, and once established,
many tolerate dry shady garden sites where
other plants fail, making them good choices for
planting under shallow-rooted trees and in gardens
that experience periodic drought.
E.
diphyllum 'Nanum |
Epimediums grow by underground woody
rhizomes, and do not tolerate poor drainage.
The length of their annual rhizome growth determines
whether they will colonize an area, or remain in
a clump. ALL varieties listed are clump-forming
unless otherwise noted. For the spreading types,
we give the typical annual rhizome growth under
optimal conditions in our climate. Growth varies
in different parts of the country. Height ranges
from 6"-2.5'. Although some types spread, they
are not invasive. They are also not favored by deer.
Height ranges from 6" to 2.5'.
Hardiness: Unless otherwise
stated in their descriptions, ALL plants offered
here have thrived in our nursery (USDA Zone 5) which
drops to -20° F during the coldest winters,
although we usually have snow cover. Many of these
species and varieties are new to cultivation and
have not been tested as to their environmental limits
elsewhere. We are often asked by customers in the
far south or far north for suggestions as to which
Epimediums will tolerate their temperatures. For
those gardening in USDA Zones 8 & 9, we suggest
you first try plants marked with m.
Those in Zones 3 & 4 start off with plants marked
with v. Epimediums do not tolerate rapid freezing
and thawing, especially if their rhizomes are exposed.
We recommend at least a few inches of mulch and
caution against holding the plants in pots over
winter-it is very risky!
Flowers: Epimediums have
delicate, airy flowers that bloom in May in Massachusetts.
They come in a kaleidoscopic range of colors including
white, yellow, purple, orange, red, and many shades
in between. Their intriguing form is reminiscent
of columbine. Size is defined as follows: Small=
1/4" to 3/4", Medium= 7/8"to
1-3/8", Large= 1-1/2" to 2+". Flowers
are borne above the leaves unless otherwise noted.
The size of individual flower parts determines showiness.
For example, I describe the flowers of E. sagittatum
as tiny (narrow parts), and those of E. alpinum
as very small (wider parts), even though they are
of the same diameter.
Leaflets: Size is difficult
to generalize, as there can be a considerable range
on a single plant. Unless otherwise noted, leaves
are com-pound, and com-posed of from 3 to 27+ leaflets.
Leaflets under 2" =Small; Medium= 2 to 4";
Large= 4 to 6", Huge= 6"+. Many
Epimediums also display spectacular but ephemeral
spring foliage colors that repeat on leaves produced
during secondary growth flushes.
Evergreen/deciduous: Best
described by Don Elick when referring to E. sempervirens
and E. grandiflorum in his book Japonica Magnifica.
"The real difference lies not in when, but
in the way the leaflets go over: the deciduous ones
fall away clean, however belatedly, whereas the
evergreen ones decay on the stems, never fall, not
even when a net of fibers is all that remains."
In USDA Zone 7 and warmer areas, the
foliage of true evergreen types remains relatively
intact over winter unless sited in an exposed area
where it may suffer sunburn and desiccation. In
colder areas, the leaflets of evergreen types often
remain showy through December. Unless still attractive
in spring, remove the previous year's leaves before
the new growth emerges to avoid
damaging the tender young stems. Larger/taller plants
with more robust leaves and flower scapes can be
encouraged by letting the previous year's growth
remain. New growth typically extends above the old
growth, and if desired, the latter can be removed
later, after the new growth matures.
Article printed with
the kind permission of: Karen and Darrell Probst
Garden Vision
63 Williamsville Road
Hubbardston, MA 01452-1315
978-928-4808
http://home.earthlink.net/~darrellpro
©Garden Vision
2005
Text and photos are
the exclusive property of Garden Vision and may
not be copied by any means without permission of
Garden Vision.
Additional
photos and information can be found on Karen and
Darrell Probst's website http://home.earthlink.net/~darrellpro.
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