Its flowers dance towards spring with delicate lightness over fresh green foliage. To date, the elf flower has been considered an insider tip among hobby gardeners for decorative greenery in shady areas. As a flowering ground cover, it usually lies at the feet of mighty trees. The following answers to frequently asked questions illustrate how easy Epimedium proves to be in cultivation.
What are the ideal conditions for a fairy flower in the garden?
The elf flower (Epimedium) is an attractive perennial for shady locations and is suitable as a ground cover. It prefers humus-rich, fresh, moist soil with a slightly acidic pH value of 5.5 to 6.5. The flowering period extends from April to May and the plant requires a balanced supply of water and nutrients.
Planting fairy flowers correctly
When the ideal planting time for perennials opens in autumn, elf flowers are there to lushly green orphaned shady areas. Create several planting pits 25-30 cm apart in deep, loose and freshly moist soil. Add mature compost and horn shavings to the excavation. A few handfuls of leaf or needle compost give slightly compacted soil the desired permeability. During this preparatory work, the still potted root balls remain in a container with lime-free water until they are thoroughly soaked. Then pot up the Epimedium and place it in the planting pits, maintaining the previous planting depth. Pour in soft water. A mulch layer of leaves protects the young plants in their first winter.
Care tips
The horticultural roadmap for professional care of Epimedium is based primarily on a balanced water and nutrient balance. Do not allow a fairy flower to dry out at any time of the year. Only pour soft water directly onto the root disc as soon as the soil has dried. The perennial happily accepts a portion of compost with horn shavings in autumn. Otherwise, leave the autumn leaves lying in the bed because they will turn into nutritious humus. Cutting back the withered flower stalks protects the plant from the energy-sapping growth of seeds. Cut deciduous Epimedium species back to the ground in autumn, followed by wintergreen specimens in late winter. Light winter protection has proven to be useful in the planting year as well as for the more sensitive, deciduous elfflower varieties.read more
Which location is suitable?
The origin defines the ideal location conditions. As wintergreen ground cover, the robust European species can also cope with the heavy root pressure of mighty trees. The more sensitive Asian epimediums feel at home in the shady perennial bed next to plants that tend to be tame, such as hostas, Caucasus forget-me-nots or ferns. All elf flowers have these location requirements in common:
- Partly shaded to shady location
- Humoser, fresh, moist soil
- Slightly acidic pH value of 5.5 to 6.5
First and foremost, make sure that a fairy flower is not exposed to direct sunlight, as the delicate beauty cannot cope with this stress. However, where the general conditions at least approximately meet the requirements, Epimedium will remain loyal to you for up to 20 years.read more
The correct planting distance
Epimedium primarily functions as a flowering ground cover or sets eye-catching accents in the small tuff in the perennial bed. The skillful measurement of the planting distance when arranging the individual elf flowers assumes that they will usually grow as wide as they are tall. With a distance of 25-30 cm between the perennials and the neighboring plants, you are exactly right.
What soil does the plant need?
The central criterion for the ideal soil condition is first-class permeability. Attributes such as nutrient-rich, humus and fresh and moist are behind it. A neutral to acidic soil value of 5.5 to 6.5 is also relevant for vital growth. This applies in particular to the Asian, deciduous Epimedium.
What is the best time to plant?
The best possible planting time for Epimedium extends over the months of September and October. At this time the soil is warmed up by the summer sun and offers the rhizomes the best growing conditions. If you miss this date, plant the elf flower in spring, in which case the first flowering period will be postponed until next year.
When is flowering time?
The flowering period of all Epimediums extends from April to May. Only very rarely does the perennial dress in its floral dress in early/mid June. To save a fairy flower the effort it takes to produce seeds, cut off the flower stalks that protrude beyond the foliage in good time.
Cut the elf flower correctly
There are several occasions on which the gardener cuts his Epimedium. Already during the flowering period, the delicate flowers can be cut as vase decorations. In addition, the shapely heart leaves are very popular as a floristic accessory. After flowering, it is an advantage to cut off the withered stems above the foliage, because growing seeds takes a lot of energy from a fairy flower. Cut the deciduous Epimedium species close to the ground in autumn. The wintergreen perennials with their dense foliage drive away the dreariness of the garden during the cold season and are only cut down to the ground in early spring.read more
Watering elf flower
Since the creeping rhizomes of Epimedium spread horizontally and only go a little deep, regular watering is required. As soon as the soil dries on the surface, water with soft water. Apply collected rainwater or decalcified tap water directly to the root disc so as not to affect the flowers and leaves. Please remember that wintergreen elf flowers continue to be watered during the cold season provided there is no snow or rain.
Fertilize fairy flowers properly
Compost fertilization in autumn sets the stage for a perfect early start next year. Since organic fertilization only absorbs the nutrients at temperatures well above 10 degrees Celsius, starting fertilization in March is futile. Where compost is not available, knowledgeable hobby gardeners simply leave the autumn leaves lying around as they turn into nutritious humus. Stinging nettle and comfrey manure, which can be easily made yourself, are ideal for supplying nutrients. Avoid feeding a concentrated load of complete mineral fertilizer. The high nitrogen content primarily drives leaf growth, which is at the expense of the elfin flowers.
Pests
The most important pests for Epimedium are the voracious slugs. These pests care little about the poison content because they attack the delicate flowers and juicy leaves unbridled. Therefore, protect individual elf flowers with a snail collar. Beds with extensive planting are surrounded by an electric snail fence. Additionally, place deep bowls of old beer within fenced areas. In addition, traveling barriers with sharp stones act as a deterrent to the wolverines. If you are afraid of using chemical snail pellets, sprinkle coffee grounds regularly, as the caffeine has a toxic effect on snails.
Wintering
The more resilient European Epimediums bravely stand up to bitter frost down to -28 degrees Celsius. Therefore, no precautions need to be taken for the wintergreen beauties before the first frost. If you simply leave the autumn leaves lying in the bed, the rhizomes will be sufficiently protected from the rigors of the cold season. For reasons of caution, young plants in the first year as well as the more sensitive Asian, deciduous elf flowers are given a protective layer of peat and needle twigs in autumn.
Propagate fairy flower
The numerous runners of a well-established elf flower provide plenty of material for propagation. In spring or autumn, cut off lightly rooted pieces. In the new semi-shady to shady location, plant the rhizome cuttings at a distance of 25-30 cm as deep as before. Division requires a little gardening experience. Dig up the plant in the fall to break up the root ball. Although damage to the rhizomes is unavoidable, the extent should be limited. Before you plant the segments, the soil is enriched with compost and horn shavings. Please maintain the current planting depth as precisely as possible and water generously with soft water.
Is elf flower poisonous?
The botanical classification of the buttercup family indicates a possible poisonous content. Distantly related to monkshood or delphinium, epimedium also contains a – albeit small – amount of poison. We are talking about alkaloids and bitter substances that can lead to symptoms of poisoning after intentional or accidental consumption.read more
Brown leaves
Brown leaves on Epimedium are usually not a cause for concern. In early spring, the perennials sprout reddish-brown leaves, which only turn light green over the course of the summer. Deciduous Epimedium species sometimes take on a brownish-yellow color in autumn before the leaves fall to the ground and act as winter protection and humus supplier. The wintergreen elf flowers signal with brown leaves in late winter that they have now used up their floral powder and it is time for cutting.
Yellow leaves
Yellow leaves with clearly visible green veins are a common symptom of chlorosis. This is a nutrient deficiency that is caused by the use of calcium-rich irrigation water. Too much lime in the soil deposits important minerals and trace elements so that the roots can no longer absorb them. From now on, if you only add collected rainwater or decalcified tap water to your Epimedium, experience has shown that the perennials will recover.
Trivia
In 2014, German perennial gardeners paid their respects to the elfin flower by naming Epimedium Perennial of the Year. The previously little-known forest plant owes this honor to its delicate flower beauty, coupled with robust resilience and a wide variety of varieties. Epimedium thus joins popular perennials such as hosta, veronica and asters, which achieved this coveted title in previous years.
Beautiful varieties
- Akebono: The large-flowered Epimedium has a delicate purple flower dress over red-brown, later green foliage
- Elf Queen: The orchid-like, pure white flowers contrast wonderfully with dark flower stems
- Ellen Willmot: With bright copper-pink flowers, these varieties breathe life into low-light locations
- Nanum: This variety compensates for its small stature with dark red-edged leaves and white flowers
- Amber Queen: Innovative new breed with yellow, orange marbled flowers and wintergreen foliage
