Growing Epimedium Rubrum

Epimediums are a large family of surprisingly little known shade plants native to Eurasia, grown for their attractive foliage and unusual flowers. Epimedium x rubrum is a hybrid of Epimedium grandiflorum and Epimedium alpinum.

Epimedium x rubrum is a fantastic plant for the shade or woodland garden. It is a clump forming perennial growing 8-12" tall, with heart shaped foliage. Dry shade can be a challenge for many plants, but Epimediums are well adapted to it. They can be grown companionably with other woodland plants, or spaced closely as a groundcover.

The foliage is evergreen in some areas, but will die back in cold winters to resprout in the spring. The new growth is flushed with red along the leaf veins. Cut back Epimedium x rubrum in early spring, removing all old leaves, to ensure good spring color.

Blooming occurs from April to May. Flowers are tiny in a dainty raceme. From a distance, this gives the appearance of delicate stars floating above the plant. Color can be white, pink or red, depending on the variety. Despite the fragile appearance of the blooms, they are quite sturdy and will persist for a few weeks.

Epimedium x rubrum prefers shade, but will grow in partial sun if given adequate water. Any woodland type soil with abundant organic matter will suffice. They are not finicky about PH levels, and will grow in acid to slightly alkaline soil. A yearly mulch of chopped leaves or needles from a nearby conifer is helpful. In fact, epimediums will grow in dry shade beneath conifers, and in poor to marginal soil invaded by the roots of deciduous trees such as sugar maples.

Drainage is essential, as it will not survive in heavy or wet soil. If clay is problem, the soil should be amended with large amounts of organic matter, or plant in a raised berm of well drained loamy soil. Epimedium x rubrum also has exceptional winter hardiness due to its 'Alpinum' parentage. It will survive in USDA zones 4-9. There are no serious pests or diseases, with the exception of root rot in poorly drained soil.

Epimediums expand outward slowly by creeping rhizomes. They are not invasive, and get long well with other shade specific woodland plantings such as Astilbe and Hostas. Smaller shade plants such as the asarums (ginger) should be given a bit of space, so as not to compete with the more vigorous epimedium.

Propagation is by division. Divide the clumps inearly spring, or early fall in mild areas. Divisions should be at least six inches in diameter. Plant immediately in humus rich soil, or pot up with a well drained mix. They may take a year or two to resume blooming after root disturbance.