Epimedium franchetii
A clump-forming semi-evergreen perennial, to around 40cm high, with leaves divided into three narrowly heart-shaped green leaflets, with spiny edges and long pointed tips. Leaves emerge pink-tinted in spring, along with sprays of small, spidery yellow flowers, borne on wiry stems above the leaves
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green Pink | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green Bronze | |||
| Winter | Green Bronze |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Berberidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Epimedium are rhizomatous perennials with evergreen or deciduous, ternately or pinnately divided leaves, and open sprays of small, bowl-shaped flowers, often with prominent spurs, in mid to late spring
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- China (Hubei, Guizhou)
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, with shelter from cold, drying winds. Thrives in dappled shade but will tolerate full shade. Where frosts are prolonged or severe, spread an organic mulch such as leaf mould or composted bark to protect plants over winter
Propagation
Propagate by seed, by division in autumn or after flowering, or by root cuttings of rhizomes, kept under glass in winter, and planted out after all danger of frost has passed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
- Ground cover
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Clip back old leaves in late winter or early spring, before new flower spikes form
Pests
May be susceptible to vine weevil
Diseases
May be susceptible to virus diseases
Get involved
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