Epimedium grandiflorum 'Lilafee'
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syn. 'Lilac Fairy'
BISHOP'S HAT, BISHOP'S MITRE
Family: Berberidaceae
Pronounced: ep-ee-MEE-dee-um grand-i-FLO-rum
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Perennial.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 2-9, 14-17.
USDA zones: 5-9.
Heat zones: 8-5.
Mature size:
Height: 8-10 inches (20-25 cm).
Width: 12 inches (30 cm).
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Flowering attributes: Racemes of long-spurred, lavender flowers, held well above the foliage.
Leaf attributes: Evergreen, heart-shaped, bronze-purple tinted foliage emerges in spring and later turns green. In fall leaves take on tints of red.
Growth habit: Clump forming
Light: Partial to full shade.
Soil: Humus rich, fertile, well-drained, dry to medium soil.
Propagation Methods: Divide in autumn or after flowering.
Pruning Methods: Shear plants back to the ground in late winter, to keep the flowers above the foliage.
Rainy Side Notes
E. grandiflorum, originating in Japan, is parent to many beautiful hybrids such as E. x rubrum, E. x versicolor and E. x youngianum. However, it is a beautiful species in its own right.
The cultivar E. grandiflorum 'Lilafee' has the violet purple flowers and is a knockout in the shade garden. Synonymous with the name, 'Lilac Fairy', it is sometimes sold under that name. This is a worthy spring flower for a child's (or adults') fairy garden, as it is an effortless plant to grow.
Use in shade or woodland gardens as a ground cover or edger along walkways. The orchid-like flowers in spring are quite a display but the foliage is beautiful year round. Late winter, when the leaves get a bit ratty looking, you cut the foliage down to make way for the new season's vegetation and flowers. The new growth is bronze-purple in color, turning green for the summer and in fall taking on tints of red.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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