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:
In early spring remove dead and damaged leaves before the flowers appear and apply a thick mulch of compost or well-rotted manure around the crown of the plant. Lift and divide large clumps in autumn.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.3m
Eventual spread:
0.3m
Position:
Light shade / shade
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
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This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.