Epimediums are charming and look very delicate, but they are strong. This tiny epimedium, only 6 inches high, lives right by my front porch. Other epimediums in my garden come in an array of colors and sizes. And there are other businesses that sell many more types of epimedium. I am glad they like shade, and in my garden they get that shade, and some sun, over the course of the day. These plants can last for decades with minimal care. They are very little trouble.
My plants , like others, are relatively free of pests and problems. I have given away some of these pink epimediums to friends because many of the clumps have increased in size.
Epimediums, of every color, are very easy to care for. Mine start blooming in mid-April. When planting, do not place the crown of the plant more than 1/2 inch deeper than the soil surface. They are tolerant of a wide range of soils and hardy from USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9. Their preference is shade or part sun. Direct sun is a no-no. It is important to water young plants and keep them moist, especially through their first summer. At the end of the garden year I cut back what stems exist. In the early spring they will feel it is time to be out in the sun again.
I had to take a close-up picture so their daintiness can be more visible to my eyes.
I had to include this epimedium because it is my favorite. You can see the foliage is distinctly different from the other epimediums in the garden with long sharp foliage. And the flowers make themselves known more energetically. I love them all but especially this one.
Garden Vision Epimediums is where I bought my epimediums, but the owner is preparing to retire. If you want to see what is still available you can go to their catalog and see what is available, but you must go to the gardens to buy. They are also providing a list of other epimedium gardens.
Ruby throated hummingbirds drink the nectar of at least the pink flowering ones. I don’t know how much food value they provide, but it’s always a treat to see them. Also, I don’t bother to cut them back in the fall as the bunnies eat them over the winter, leaving me less work in the spring. It’s one of the few things I don’t mind sharing.
Deb – I love thinking about ruby throated hummingbirds drinking epimedium nectar. So far we don’t have any bunnies, but I will keep watching.