This ground cover has it all!

I admit I wasn’t always a fan of this plant. When I saw it in the stores it was a bit more expensive than other options and tiny. An experienced gardener like myself knows that a plant’s size in a nursery doesn’t mean too much. Consider Aralia Sun King. It’s small when potted, but by the end of the season it easily reaches 3-4 feet.
It wasn’t until I started working in a local park that I appreciated Epimedium for the beautiful workhorse that it is. 

Why Epimedium?
Its thick root system is pretty much impermeable to weeds and does a wonderful job of holding soil in place, which makes it a great option over other ground covers such as English Ivy. The foliage is clean and lush and come fall offers up fabulous color to the gardens.

Spring Flowers: My garden has varieties sporting pink and yellow flowers. They are small, but not too small to make them obsolete. In fact, if you take the time to look at them, they are quite attractive.

Hardy! The epimedium in my park garden was a bit neglected. After two years of regular watering, removing spent foliage and fall leaf litter and giving it a bit of food, the stand has become as thick as carpet.

Just the Facts
USDA Zones 5 to 9
Height and Spread: 1-2 feet
Blooms: April to June yellow or pink with white inner sepals
Plant in part to full shade with dry to medium soil.
This is an easy-to-grow plant that is wonderful for naturalizing, soil retention and adding interest to a shady spot in the garden. As an added bonus, it’s deer and rabbit resistant, too.

Cheers,
Jennifer