Plant Type

Ground cover, Perennial

 

Height Range

Under 1'

 

Flower Color

Pink, Red

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Green, Red

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Half, Shade

 

Water

Medium

 

Growth Rate

Slow

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained, Moist, Dry

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Formal, Japanese, Meadow, Water Garden, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio, Walkways

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Filler, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Small pink, orchid-like flowers grace this lovely perennial in the spring. Leaves are elongated hearts, soft green in color with red margins. Leafs gain a bronze hue in the fall. In more moderate climates, epimedium is an evergreen; not so much here but it is still worth growing. Leaf and flower stems are wiry, making both fine for cutting. Grows 6 to 12 inches tall and 12 to 24 inches wide. Partners well with Heuchera, Corydalis, and shade-loving geraniums.

Grow in fertile, organic-rich soil in part to full shade. Though it tolerates moist soils, it will grow well in drier soils once established; in fact, it makes a fine addition to a dry/shade garden. Cut back old foliage in the late winter to early spring, as new growth begins to emerge.