The key to success with longspur epimedium is soil preparation (as it is with almost every plant). It must have rich, organic soil that remains moist, but never stays wet. Once the plant is well established, it can tolerate some drought but will need watering during long dry spells. It requires only an annual trimming to ground level in early spring before new foliage starts to grow; reapply mulch at the same time.
This charming perennial represents an underused genus of rugged but delicate-looking plants with lovely flowers, very showy spring foliage, and a tough, no-nonsense groundcover habit. The spurred blossoms sit like jewels atop 10- to 15-inch foliage that is pale bronze in spring and turns greener in summer. This is ‘Lilafee’. Cut a few for a vase in the kitchen windowsill, where you can enjoy their delightful form up close for days.
ZONES: 5–8
BLOOM TIME: Spring
LIGHT: Part shade
HEIGHT: 10–15 inches
INTEREST: Dainty white, yellow, and rose-violet blossoms atop pale bronze foliage
Epimedium is an extremely versatile plant in most shady situations. It is suitable for individual plantings in a rock garden or by a path at the foot of a tree. It’s also perfect for use in large sweeps as a ground cover under trees or large shrubs, or as a foundation plant. Once plants fill in (which can take a while), they’ll keep out most weeds. Epemedium is an unusual container plant for shady decks or patios, especially good for providing spring interest in combination with bulbs.