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Epimedium perralchicum 'Frohnleiten'
Frohnleiten Epimedium
Parent species from Atlas Mountains and Caucasus; hybrid selected in Austria
At a Glance
TypePerennial
HabitClumping
FoliageSemi-evergreen
Height10-14 inches (25-36 cm)
Width12-18 inches (30-45 cm)
Overview
Epimedium x perralchicum 'Frohnleiten' is a clumping semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial reaching 10-14 inches (25-36 cm) tall with a spread of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm). Foliage forms a low layered mound of compound leaves, each composed of 5-9 heart-shaped leaflets 1.5-2.5 inches (4-6 cm) long. Spring leaves emerge bronze-red with darker red veining and mature to glossy green by midsummer; cool autumn weather returns the bronze tones. Flowering stems 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) tall carry 8-15 small bright-yellow flowers measuring 0.5-0.75 inches (1.3-1.9 cm) across, each with four spurred petals reminiscent of a bishop's hat. The cultivar is a selected hybrid of Epimedium perralderianum and E. pinnatum ssp. colchicum, originally selected at the Frohnleiten Botanical Garden in Austria. Plants spread by short rhizomes 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) per year, eventually forming dense ground cover that suppresses weeds. Foliage is unpalatable to deer and rabbits. Established clumps tolerate dry shade beneath mature trees once roots are established (year 2 onward).
Native Range
Epimedium perralderianum is native to oak woodlands of the Atlas Mountains in Algeria and northern Morocco; E. pinnatum ssp. colchicum is native to the western Caucasus and northeastern Turkey. The hybrid 'Frohnleiten' was selected at the Frohnleiten Botanical Garden in Austria during the 20th century.Suggested Uses
Commonly planted at 12-18 inch (30-45 cm) spacing as a ground cover in shaded woodland gardens, beneath mature deciduous trees, along shaded slopes, and in dry shade where many ground covers fail. Used as a mass planting in zones 5-9 for weed suppression and seasonal color change. Container culture requires a pot of at least 3 gallons (11 L) with weekly watering; potted plants generally require division every 2 years.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10" - 1'3"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Mid- to late April in zones 5-7, with peak bloom lasting 2-3 weeks. In zones 8-9, flowering begins in early April. Individual flowers last 7-10 days; total bloom period extends 3-4 weeks per clump. Flowers are most pronounced when spring foliage is removed before flowering.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Bronze-red in spring; glossy green in summer; bronze in autumnGrowing 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
Water weekly during the first 2 growing seasons; established plants tolerate dry conditions under tree canopies in zones 5-9. Plants grown in heavy clay with poor drainage develop crown rot in 1-2 seasons. Foliage tatters in dry summer winds and may show minor leaf scorch in full afternoon sun in zones 7-9. Divide clumps every 4-5 years in early spring or late summer when the centre declines; replant divisions immediately to prevent root drying. Mulch 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) deep with composted leaf mold in autumn.Pruning
Cut all foliage to ground level in late February or early March before flowering stems emerge; this exposes the small flowers and removes winter-damaged leaves. Cutting foliage in autumn in zones 4-5 is acceptable; in zones 6-9, foliage retained over winter insulates the crown. Remove damaged leaves during the growing season.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons