Epimedium x warleyense, commonly known as Warley Hybrid Epimedium, is a charming perennial plant that belongs to the Berberidaceae family. This hybrid results from the cross between Epimedium pinnatum and Epimedium x rubrum.
One of its most striking attributes is its delicate, nodding flowers, which appear in early spring.
The flowers vary in colour depending on form can be a coppery orange combination as in our example, or a soft yellow or creamy white with a hint of pink.
The flowers rise above the foliage on wiry stems. The plant reaches a height of about 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) and spreads to around 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) wide, making it a lovely groundcover or border plant.
How To Grow Epimedium x warleyense – Basic Care
Epimedium warleyense prefers well-drained soil and benefits from organic matter.
- When planting, choose a location that provides the right amount of shade or partial shade.
- Preparing the soil by weeding well and digging in compost or agedcow manure to improve fertility and drainage.
- Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of the plant.
- Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Backfill the hole with soil and gently tamp it down to remove air pockets.
- Water the plant thoroughly to help it settle in.
- Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Ongoing Care
This plant is relatively low-maintenance once established.
- Keep the soil moist, especially during dry periods, but avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
- A layer of mulch applied each spring will help to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
- Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release organic type fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth.
- Slugs or snails, can occasionally damage the foliage.
Pruning
- Like most Epimedium varieties it is best to prune back all of the old foliage in late winter or early spring, before flowering begins. This helps helps show of the flowers on their tall stem and old foliage will soon be replaced by fresh new growth. Simply cut back the old leaves to ground level.
- If the plant becomes too crowded or spreads beyond its intended space, dig and divide it in early spring. This is also time to propagate this hybrid which needs to be done by division.
Summary Description
- Epimedium x warleyense
- Botanical Name: Epimedium x warleyense
- Common Names: Warley Hybrid Epimedium
- Origin: Hybrid between Epimedium pinnatum and Epimedium x rubrum
- Family: Berberidaceae
- Genus: Epimedium
- Cultivar Name: None (it’s a hybrid)
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Exposure/ Light: Partial to full shade
- Soil Type: Well-draining, rich in organic matter
- Soil Moisture: Moist
- pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral
- Climate Zone: Cool Temperate to Mediterranean – USDA Zones 5-9
- Drainage: Excellent
- Water Requirements: Moderate; water regularly, especially in dry periods
- Height: 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm)
- Width: 18 to 24 inches (45-60 cm)
- Growth Habit: Low-growing, spreading
- Flower Colour: Varies from coppery orange tones to pale yellow to creamy white with hints of pink
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Fragrance: Mild
- oliage: Heart-shaped, glossy dark green turning bronze or reddish in fall
- Root System: Fibrous
- Lifespan: Long-lived perennial
- Landscaping Uses: Ground cover, erosion control, woodland gardens
- Garden Styles: Cottage gardens, shade gardens, Japanese gardens
- Special Uses: Effective under trees
- Plant Environment: Ideal for shaded or woodland settings
- Other Seasonal Interest: Attractive foliage that changes color in fall
- Special Uses: Excellent for filling in gaps, controlling erosion
- Frost Tolerance: High; hardy in cold climates
- Drought Tolerance: Moderate; more tolerant once established
- Attracts Wildlife: Not particularly noted for attracting wildlife
- Toxic to Dogs/Cats: Regarded as Non-toxic