Pretty and versatile with distinctive, heart-shaped leaves and a spreading habit, epimediums bring lightness and airiness to a shady border. The young leaves of this deciduous variety are bronze-tinted and turn reddish-brown in autumn. In late spring a froth of tiny, crimson and pale yellow flowers appear, suspended on wiry stems.
Slow to spread, it makes a good groundcover plant for shady areas or under deciduous trees.
How to care for Epimedium × rubrum:
Plant in partial to full shade with well-drained, humus-rich soil, either in the ground or a large pot using ericaceous compost. Space plants to allow for spreading and water well after planting, keeping the soil moist during dry spells.
Apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of leaf mould or compost in spring to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Pruning is minimal—cut back old, damaged, or dead foliage in late winter or early spring to make way for new growth and reveal flowers. Fertilise lightly with a balanced or ericaceous feed in spring if growth requires bolstering.