Epimedium grandiflorum Akebono - Fairy Wings

The Epimedium grandiflorum 'Akebono' is a fairly recent variety of Epimedium with large flowers, a Flower of the Elves of great ornamental value for shaded areas of the garden. Its pretty flowers, large for the genus, resemble small pale pink and white columbines, gathered in small clusters above a leafy cushion. Its deciduous foliage, tinted with bronze and purple in spring and autumn, highlights the delicacy of this variety, which is not difficult to grow, preferably in light and moist soil.

Belonging to the family of barberry, the 'Akebono' Epimedium is derived from the Epimedium grandiflorum, a species native to northern China. This rhizomatous plant sometimes takes a little time to establish, but eventually forms beautiful cushions, with a loose tufted habit, reaching a height of 25 cm (10in), spreading little, occupying 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16in) of ground. It produces, in late spring (usually in May), delicate small flowers of 3 cm (1in), bicolored, with an original shape. They are composed of 4 pink petals with long spurs, surrounding a white-pink calyx, nestled on graceful and flexible stems. It is from this elegance and finesse that it gets its name "Flower of the Elves". Its foliage, mostly deciduous (evergreen in mild climates), is composed of dentate leaflets of medium green bordered with red and taking on a beautiful bronze color in spring and late season.

The Barrewort thrives in cool conditions and tolerates the root competition from other plants, which allows it to be used to dress the base of trees and shrubs. A plant of light woodland, it is hardy down to -15°C (5°F), it particularly appreciates humus-rich soils but adapts to almost all ordinary soils. The 'Akebono' Epimedium, more attractive when scattered in sparse clumps than as a continuous ground cover, is a perfect plant for ornamenting shaded areas, often neglected. It would be a shame to confine it to a utilitarian ground cover role: accompanied by astilbes, Ferns, Hostas, Foxgloves, Candelabra Primroses, and sweet woodruff, the flower of the elves will compose a superb bed of light shade.