Sparkly little things
An awakening woodland garden has its unchallenged prima donnas: an established clump of trilliums or a fancy new hellebore will draw your attention like a magnet. On the way to it, however, it's easy to miss a ground-hugging spray of tiny flowers. But if you slow down to look at them, you will be struck with how intricate the blooms are, and how soft, delicate and tactile the newly emerging foliage is.
Epimediums,
often affectionately known as "fairy wings" or "bishop's
hat," can be a fascinating addition to any shade garden, particularly
in the greener parts of Oregon. These resilient perennials are celebrated
for their durability and the enchanting touch they add to shadowy nooks of the
garden, where few other plants dare to thrive. Their heart-shaped or strangely serrated leaves and
strangely shaped flowers, which seem to float on air due to their delicate, wiry
stems, can light up the understory of a woodland scene or soften the edges of
shaded border gardens.
One of the most compelling reasons to grow
Epimediums in Oregon is their adaptability. They are remarkably tolerant of a
range of conditions, from dry shade under tree canopies to more moist,
humus-rich areas. Once established, they are drought-resistant, making them a
sustainable choice for Oregon gardens seeking charm without the constant need
for irrigation. Epimediums also come in a variety of colors and forms, offering
blossoms in hues of yellow, rose, violet, and white, which can complement any
garden palette.
Epimediums provide year-round interest. In spring,
their flowers emerge in a subtle but captivating display, followed by the unfurling of new
leaves, often flushed with bronze, red, or purple tones. As the season
progresses, the foliage matures into a lush carpet of green, providing a
beautiful backdrop for summer and fall plants. In autumn, the leaves may turn
to bronze, red, or gold, offering a subtle but stunning fall display. For
gardeners in Oregon looking to add texture, color, and life to their shade
gardens, Epimediums are a choice that promises subtle beauty and resilience, embodying
the spirit of the Pacific Northwest woodland garden.
My first clump of epemidium was a present from a wonderful neighbor, and that first cream and white flowering plant spreads politely. But in order to enjoy the flowers in spring, I have to come with my clippers and trim off all the last year leaves from the plants. Otherwise the flowers would be hidden by somewhat bettered old leaves. This job of giving the plant a buzz cut in January is the only special thing I have to do to take care of my epimidiums. I do my best to mulch my woodland beds in winter too to tidy them up, feed the plants, and help the soil to hold to moisture.
I have recently watched a video from Plant Delights Nursery about the new cool varieties and cultivars of Epimedium that are being introduced. The new kids on the block are more floriferous, carry their blooms higher from the ground, and bloom for months! And that is, you see, the problem with epimediums. Once you see the variety that's out there, you want to collect them all. Or at least go get a few new ones, and who has that much space in the garden? One thing that helps is that these plants are not that dear to deer, and, at least in my neighborhood, it makes a huge difference.
Where to get the new cool plants? Once the option of mooching off your friends is exhausted, I would head to the Dancing Oaks or Sebright for the new introductions. Also scouting "shade plant" sections of your favorite local nurseries in March can help. And you can always find room for more epemidiums in your garden - it will fill in nicely under a deciduous tree or shrub, eventually form a nice tight colony and be one of the most precious sparkly little things you grow.
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