Fairy flowers – elegant beauties for the shade
Like little elves, the blossoms dance above the delicate canopy of leaves in spring. These delicate flowers and leaf shoots give the plant its name. Epimedium is the name given to this plant. Epimediums are woodland plants that thrive in light shade. They are found in the Northern Hemisphere, from the Southern Alps to Algeria, Japan, and China, and have made a name for themselves, and not just among experts. "Many species and varieties are already common in German gardens," says Anne Eskuche, a perennial gardener from Ostenholz. However, there are constantly new garden-worthy species and hybrids being discovered.
Delicate flowers combined with robustness
"The name 'Epimedium' expresses a certain delicacy," says Eskuche. "When you see the delicate flowers and the delicate leaf shoots, you initially don't believe that they will develop into resilient, leathery leaves and a robust plant," explains the perennial gardener. All Epimediums share a characteristic flower shape, consisting of four inner and four outer petals. Some of the outer petals are formed as spurs, which gives the flowers even more grace. The color palette of Epimediums ranges from golden yellow to light yellow, white, pink, red, and even violet; they are often bicolored. "The flowers of many species are subtle, and it's worth taking a closer look," advises the expert – as is the case with the Alpine Epimedium (Epimedium alpinum). Up to 25 small, bicolored, red-yellow individual flowers appear on delicate panicles starting in April. This undemanding, deciduous ground cover spreads by runners and tolerates drought very well. Flowering beauties also include varieties of Epimedium grandiflorum. 'Akebono' is a cultivar that impresses with its abundant blooms in white with a touch of lilac-pink. It grows only about 20 cm tall and is a very tolerant, clump-forming newcomer.
Reliable ground cover for shady areas
"Epimediums love light partial shade and thrive in fresh, loose, humus-rich soils," explains Eskuche. Some species even tolerate surprisingly high levels of drought, deep shade, and root pressure, making them particularly suitable for planting under established woody plants. "These locations are often problem areas in the garden," says Eskuche. "Species like Epimedium x perralchicum 'Frohnleiten', with their runners, create attractive carpets of foliage even in these areas. Once established, they are very easy to care for and hardly allow weeds to penetrate." 'Frohnleiten' also remains green in winter and forms yellow veils of flowers in spring. The renowned perennial gardener Karl Förster writes on this topic: "Epimediums are as delicate and enchanting as they are very robust plants, capable of rivaling humans in terms of longevity."
Gardening tip – Caring for fairy flowers in the garden
"Fairy vines are one of the easiest-care and longest-lasting plants in the garden," says Eskuche. If you follow a few tips, nothing will stand in the way of fairy vines' happiness in the garden. "To ensure the flowers show off their best in early spring and can sprout unhindered, the old leaves of evergreen species should be removed shortly before the new foliage sprouts," recommends Eskuche. The roots of fairy vines spread quite close to the surface. It is therefore crucial that the rhizomes are protected in winter. Therefore, always leave fallen leaves over the herbaceous varieties or add additional foliage to the plants, Eskuche advises. The large, fast-growing species in particular are excellent leaf eaters! Mulch or brushwood can also be used as winter protection if necessary. "Avoid full sun, drafty locations and prefer sheltered locations," says the perennial expert, "then these graceful beauties will survive the winter well." And another tip: In floristry, the coarse, long-lasting foliage is also popular as an accessory for many late summer and autumn bouquets, just give it a try!
Elf companion
Epimediums are already a delight to behold as perennials. However, their effect can be further enhanced by other plants. It should be noted that some epimediums are very prone to spreading and establish themselves strongly with their runners. These species, such as Epimedium x perralchicum 'Frohnleiten' or Epimedium pinnatum ssp. colchicum, should only be combined with plants that are also vigorous growers. "Hostas with their attractive leaves, common knotweed (Bistorta amplexicaulis), or the white-flowering goat's beard (Aruncus) can counteract the propagation of epimediums and, together with them, create a wonderful garden image," says Eskuche. There are also epimediums that grow in clumps and are more tolerant. Varieties of Epimedium grandiflorum or Epimedium x youngianum, for example, can be combined with many shade-loving perennials such as ferns (Asplenium, Polypodium), dwarf heartwort (Dicentra formosa), Caucasian forget-me-not (Brunnera macrophylla), or shade-loving grasses such as sedge (Carex) or Japanese mountain grass (Hakonechloa). The flower spikes of black cohosh (Cimicifuga) or the fragrant violet inflorescences of meadow rue (Thalictrum) are also great partners. "The combination with bulbous plants that bloom at the end of winter is brilliant," enthuses the perennial gardener. Snowdrops (Galanthus), winter aconites (Eranthis), wood anemone (Anemone nemorosa), and crocuses (Crocus) open the colorful display in the bed and then allow the fairy flowers to take center stage.
Garden jewels – particularly attractive fairy flowers
In addition to the well-known, fast-growing species of Epimedium pinnatum ssp. colchicum or Epimedium x perralchicum 'Frohnleiten', there are other species that can be considered true garden gems. An Asian hybrid is Epimedium 'Arctic Wings'. It captivates with its glossy, elongated foliage, which remains green even in winter and turns a magnificent red in spring. The large, delicate flowers appear in brilliant white from April to June. The attractive flowers of the Epimedium x warleyense 'Orange Queen' variety appear in light orange. Afterward, the beautiful new foliage sets the tone. The 20-35 cm tall variety is extremely robust, forming dense carpets and thus holding its own even in difficult locations. This variety, Epimedium x rubrum 'Galadriel', is characterized by ruby-red flowers. This deciduous Epimedium is vigorous and robust. The leaves are adorned with an attractive red edge.
TEXT: GMH/BdS
