Epimedium 'Pink Elf'

The beautiful evergreen, clump-forming perennial Epimedium 'Pink Elf' is delicate in appearance, yet is both hardy and tough. Sprays of soft, nodding, pink flowers appear in early spring. Each bloom comprises pale pink spurs, surrounding a darker ruby-pink centre, or cup. They have a charming, slightly flicked-up appearance. A repeat show of flowers occurs in September. Epimedium 'Pink Elf' is an evergreen, but new leaves do emerge in spring; these are flushed bronze, and turn to pale green as the season progresses. The mature leaves become flushed with orange, particularly around the margins, in cold weather. The leaf stems are orange-bronze!

Known variously as barrenwort, bishop’s hat and half a dozen or so other common names, all epimediums are at their happiest in well-drained soil. They also prefer to grow in partial shade, easily provided by larger plants, and they are particularly effective beneath deciduous shrubs. Epimedium 'Pink Elf' adapts well to growing in a patio container, but keep it in a semi-shaded position, and make sure it does not bake dry in summer.