Epimedium x rubrum

Sunset

Zones 2-9, 14-17, 31-43

Partial, Shade

Moderate, Minimal

Berberidaceae
Ground covers, Perennials

EPIMEDIUM

Low growers with creeping underground stems. Thin, wiry leafstalks hold leathery leaves divided into heart-shaped leaflets 3–4 in. long. Foliage is bronzy pink in spring, green in summer, bronze in fall; even in deciduous species, leaves last late into the year. In spring, plants bear loose spikes of small, waxy flowers in pink, red, creamy yellow, or white. The flowers have four petals, which may be spurred or hooded, and eight sepals–four inner ones resembling petals and four (usually small) outer ones.

Use as ground cover under trees or among rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias; set out plants 1 ft. apart. Good in large rock gardens, containers. Tolerate heavy shade. Foliage and flowers are long lasting in arrangements. Cut back in late winter before new growth resumes.

Epimedium x rubrum

This semievergreen hybrid between E. alpinum and E. grandiflorum grows to 1 ft. high. Flowers, borne in showy clusters, have crimson inner sepals, pale yellow or white petals, and upward-curving spurs.