One of the great shade plants for dry area are the Epimediums, they thrive in shade, flower and will form a dense matt over time that makes the useful as a ground cover plant.
They are commonly known as Barrenwort or Bishop’s hat, is a genus of flowering plants that belong to the family Berberidaceae.
Epimedium Varieties
Divided into two groups, the Asian varieties and the Mediterranean varieties . In these two groups there are over 60 species and numerous hybrids, each with its own characteristics and appeal.
Some are evergreen, others deciduous foliage differs in colour and shape and flowers, although small are very attractive and appear in clusters.
- The Mediterranean species are more tolerant of dry conditions and include, Versicolor var. neosulphureum with its wonderful yellow flowers. Epimedium pubigerum. With its white flowers is also sought after.
- The Asian species are the real show stoppers, large interesting foliage, more colourful flowers and E. grandiflorum and its cultivars provide a lot of interest. E. wushanense is renown for tits foliage as well as the flowers.
Popular species include E. grandiflorum, E. x rubrum, E. pinnatum, and E. sagittatum.
How to Grow Epimedium
Although these are really a plant and forget ground cover, a little extra care when planting and establishing them will have them looking great.
How to plant Epimediums
You can plant Epimediums at any time however the best time in the spring or late summer.
- Plant in a humus rich soil in light to dappled shade. Prepare the soil by digging in aged cow manure and compost.
- Water in well with a liquid seaweed fertiliser and take care to water through the first summer. After this they will be surprisingly drought tolerant if grown in shade.
- Mulch around newly planted varieties to maintain some moisture and a cool root run.
- You can prune these plants back the ground in winter, this allows the flowers to be shown off to their full extent, it also refreshes the foliage.
- After pruning, mulch and liquid fertilise. We like to mix a little aged cow manure and blood and bone in with the mulch.
Detailed Epimedium Care
- Light:
Epimediums prefer partial to full shade. They thrive under dappled sunlight or in areas with filtered sunlight.
While many Epimediums prefer shade, some varieties can tolerate more sun if the soil remains consistently moist.
Avoid direct, intense sunlight, especially in regions with hot climates. - Temperature:
Most species are hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures.
However, they can suffer in extremely hot or dry conditions. - Soil:
Well-draining soil is crucial for Epimedium plants. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0.A rich, organic soil with good moisture retention is beneficial. - Watering:
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.During hot, dry periods, provide extra water to prevent the soil from drying out completely. - Fertilizer:
Use a balanced, organic fertilizer in spring before new growth begins.
Avoid over-fertilizing, as Epimediums are not heavy feeders. - Pruning:
Cut back the old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
Pruning allows the new foliage to take prominence and also helps showcase the flowers which appear befe the new foliage in most cases.
All species make great ground cover beneath deciduous trees, with flowers in early spring through to summer they can also be used in the rock garden or as border plants. E. Rubrum, grandiflorum, and sagittatum are all popular species, however with dozens of species and hybrids available, foliage and flower colour differs greatly.
- Pictured is the very pretty species E. accuminatum.
- E. perralchicum ‘Frohnleiten’ is readily available however many other interesting species can be found for sale from specialist suppliers.
- E. leptorrhizum has some of the largest flowers of all.
- E. pierres ‘purple’ is a popular mid sized cultivar. Apply organic mulch in winter for best results. With yellow, white and pink flowers these are a fairly tough plant and mix well with Aquilegia.
- E. sagittatum is known as Horny Goat Weed.
- E. x versicolor-‘Sulphureum’ (pictured left) is one of the prettiest yellow flowing Epimediums we have seem.
- And as for bold foliage, and we are not just talking about autumn colour, try the Spiny Leafed form of the rare, and therefore fairly expensive Epimedium wushanense. Large leaves with prominent spines along the edges.
More Shade Loving Plants
Acorus, Ajuga reptans, Astilbe, Clivia, Dicentra, Helleborus, Heuchera, Hosta, Hydrangea, Lily of the Valley, Saxifrage, Solomon’s Seal.
Where to Buy
138 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda VIC 3788
"Large range of rare and unusual plants.."
www.gentiananursery.com.au
Large variety of Epimediums, Woodland plants and Herbaceous perennials
Mail order or nursery. We do not send to Tasmania or WA
www.cloverhillrareplants.com
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au
'Sylvan Vale' 375 Olinda Creek Rd, Kalorama, VIC.3766
Including a large range of Rare and unusual bulbs, corms and perennials
www.tonkinsbulbs.com.au
'Umbango' 750 Humula Rd, Humula NSW 2652
Phone 0408692773 Great Range of Perennial plants available for sale by mail order.
www.nutshellnursery.com.au
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
Guaranteed "garden worthy" bulbs, plants and perennials. Visit the website to browse our large range of daffodils or request the latest free catalogue.
www.tesselaar.net.au
Little Hampton, Vic 345
"Mail order nursery specialising in cottage garden perennials, flowering shrubs, Trilliums, Hostas and Pacific Coast Iris. Flat rate express postage - Except WA & TAS"
www.botanicaltreasures.com
More Epimediums
We are Asked
Are Epimediums invasive?
Generally No, most spread slowly and are well-behaved groundcovers. Some such as Epimedium × perralchicum ‘Fröhnleiten’ are more vigorous and faster spreading than others.
Are Epimediums drought tolerant and deer resistant?
The Mediterranean species and hybrids are particularly resilient to dry shade and unpalatable to deer.
Can Epimediums grow under trees?
Yes, their tolerance of root competition and dry shade makes them ideal for such sites. Some species are better than others in this situation.
What are the Best growing conditions?
Dappled or afternoon light shade, moist but well-drained soil, occasional mulching; established plants need little watering.