Epimedium grandiflorum 'Lilafee'
barrenwort
Overview
Epimedium grandiflorum 'Lilafee' is a clump-forming woodland perennial reaching 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) tall and spreading slowly to 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide. In spring it produces sprays of pendant violet-purple flowers, each about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across, with long spurs extending behind four inner petals. Flowers rise on wiry stems above or among the emerging foliage. New leaves are heart-shaped, divided into several leaflets, and flushed bronze-red as they unfurl before maturing to mid-green. In autumn the foliage often takes on reddish tints. The cultivar spreads by short rhizomes rather than running aggressively, forming a dense low mound over several years. It is deciduous to semi-evergreen depending on winter severity, with old leaves persisting in mild climates. Growth is slow, and full ground cover from a single plant takes three to four seasons. The species Epimedium grandiflorum is native to woodland in Japan, Korea, and northeastern China, and this cultivar shares its requirement for shade and humus-rich soil. Dry, exposed sites cause leaf-margin scorch and reduced flowering.
Native Range
The species Epimedium grandiflorum is native to deciduous woodland and forest margins in Japan, Korea, and northeastern China. 'Lilafee' is a selected garden cultivar derived from this species.Suggested Uses
Used as a groundcover and edging in shaded borders, woodland gardens, and under deciduous shrubs and trees. Suited to dry-shade plantings once established and to the front of north-facing beds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Flowers appear in mid to late spring, typically April to May, lasting about three to four weeks. The violet-purple spurred flowers open as the new foliage expands. Bloom is reduced in deep dry shade compared with sites that hold even moisture.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Bronze-red emerging, mid-green maturingGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Epimedium grandiflorum 'Lilafee' grows in part shade to full shade in humus-rich, well-drained soil held evenly moist. It tolerates soil pH from about 5.5 to 7.0 and responds to an annual mulch of leaf mold. Established plants tolerate short dry spells but show leaf scorch in prolonged drought or exposed, sunny positions. Cutting the old foliage to the ground in late winter exposes the spring flowers and removes weather-worn leaves. New divisions establish slowly and take a season or two to settle. Waterlogged soil rots the shallow rhizomes.Pruning
The previous year's foliage is cut to the base in late winter, before flower stems emerge, to display the flowers. No other pruning is required. Scorched or tattered leaves are removed through the growing season as needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing