Epimedium grandiflorum

This variable species is widely distributed through Asia, to be found mainly in China, Japan and Korea. All its cultivars share its distinctive habit; being clump forming, it does not cover the ground rapidly, which makes it perfect for smaller areas. We like to plant them in drifts amongst bulbs where a more spreading cultivar would create too dense a carpet for the delicate bulbs to push up through. Another distinctive feature is that they are deciduous. This has the benefit of giving lovely foliage colours in autumn, before the plant dies down to an underground crown through winter. Thus no tidying up is necessary before the fresh new foliage emerges in early spring, along with the delightful flowers. Flower colours range from white through pale pinks to darker pinks, purples and almost red. Many have bright green young leaves dramatically edged in red, whilst a few have rich purple foliage. A fabulous group of plants with something for everyone.

See also the cultivars of the hybrid E. x youngianum which share many of these charming characteristics.