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Epimedium (Fairy Wings)
Thanks to epimedium guru Darrell Probst for helping us get our epimedium offerings off the ground and correctly identified. Epimediums will never be traffic stoppers like roses, etc., but these perennials are the unsung workhorses that tie the woodland garden together. Epimediums are easy-to-grow, tenacious perennials that provide a welcome first breath of spring with their airy flowers, then a solid backdrop of attractive foliage for the remainder of the growing season. Epimediums can either be used as a woodland specimen, or some of the faster-multiplying species make great groundcovers for small areas. We are thrilled to be able to offer some of the exceedingly rare species that were only recently discovered and named from remote regions of Asia along with some fabulous hybrids.
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Epimedium 'Amber Queen' PP 17,197 (Amber Queen Fairy Wings)
Part Sun to Light Shade Zone: 5-8, at least 24" tall Origin: Hybrid
NEW!
This fantastic hybrid (E. 'Caramel' x E. flavum) from the UK's Robin White blends the best traits epimediums have to offer. The 2' wide clump is composed of semi-evergreen spiny green leaves that are mottled red as they emerge. The clumps are topped in April and May with 2' long arching spikes adorned with an unreal abundance of bright yellow spider-like flowers, tipped with orange-red. Epimedium 'Amber Queen' is one of the finest epimediums on the market today...you simply won't believe how good this is! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #08191
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Epimedium diphyllum 'Variegatum' (Variegated Fairy Wings)
Part Sun to Light ShadeZone: 5-8 8" tall Origin: Japan
Variegation Alert! This unusual selection of the Japanese native E. diphyllum makes a short 8" clump, composed of lung-shaped, grey-green leaves, heavily speckled with white. The clump resembles a bad case of auto body shop overspray, topped in early spring with clusters of tiny white bells. The pattern is most vivid before the heat of summer. Who'd have thought?...a variegated epimedium. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #06230
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Epimedium 'Domino' (Domino Fairy Wings)
Part Sun to Light ShadeZone: 5-8, at least 24" tall Origin: Hybrid
NEW!
This dazzling 2004 Darrell Probst hybrid is one of our absolute favorite epimediums. The tight clumps of long, spiny green leaves are heavily flecked with amber. In April and May, the 3' wide clumps are topped with 2' tall arching spikes of large white-spurred flowers, each highlighted by a maroon flower tip...exceedingly floriferous compared to most of the industry standards...simply superb. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #08493
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Epimedium fargesii (Fairy Wings)
Light ShadeZone: 4-8 15" tall Origin: China
Open House/Web-Only!
This unique and very rare Chinese species is one of my favorites of the genus, but probably not one that will ever be appreciated by the marigold and impatiens crowd. The 18" arching flower spikes top the long, narrow-leaf evergreen clumps in early spring with purple and white dodecatheon-like flowers...stunningly simple! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #06232
SOLD OUT |
Epimedium grandiflorum 'Benedict's Violet' (Fairy Wings)
Light ShadeZone: 4-8 9" tall Origin: China
Open House/Web-Only!
From the late hosta breeder Herb Benedict comes this wonderful seedling selection of E. grandiflorum. E. 'Benedict's Violet' makes a dwarf clump of bright red stems and heart-shaped green leaves to only 9" tall, topped in spring with relatively large violet flowers...light purple backs with darker purple spurs. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #06752
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Epimedium grandiflorum 'Dark Beauty' (Dark Beauty Fairy Wings)
Part Sun to Light ShadeZone: 4-8 12" tall Origin: Japan
This selection of the deciduous Japanese E. grandiflorum arose in the garden of the late Harold Epstein...a probable rendezvous between E. 'Yubae' and E. 'Silver Queen'. I understand Harold actually encouraged this in his garden as long as he got to watch. The green foliage, which emerges chocolate-purple, is topped with large purple-and-white bicolor flowers in spring...still quite rare commercially, so get 'em while they last. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #06231
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Epimedium grandiflorum 'Pierre's Purple' (Pierre's Purple Fairy Wings)
Part Sun to Light ShadeZone: 4-8 15" tall Origin: Japan
We are delighted to again offer this hard-to-find selection of E. grandiflorum from our friend Pierre Bennerup of Sunny Border, via Darrel Probst. E. 'Pierre's Purple' features stunning, large purple flowers unlike any color we have seen on an epimedium. The flowers emerge just prior to the new foliage on this deciduous clumping selection. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #02827
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Epimedium grandiflorum 'Princess Susan' (Princess Susan Fairy Wings)
Part Sun to Light ShadeZone: 4-8 13" tall Origin: Hybrid
This 1999 Darrell Probst introduction is a selection from the garden of the late Harold Epstein and, subsequently, named after Harold's daughter. E. 'Princess Susan' produces a 13" tall deciduous clump of small leaflets, topped in spring by spikes of large, bright cherry-rose flowers with pure white spurs. If you need another woman in your life, perhaps you'll consider giving Susan a special place in your garden. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #06761
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Epimedium grandiflorum 'Red Queen' (Red Queen Fairy Wings)
Part Sun to Light ShadeZone: 4-8 14" tall Origin: Japan
This magnificent Japanese selection boasts large (6" long x 4" wide) heart-shaped leaves on a tight clumping epimedium. In spring, the clumps are topped with stunning rose-red flowers...one of the most brilliantly colored epimediums we have seen. We'd like to lobby for a domestic partnership arrangement with, say, E. 'Purple Prince' or perhaps E. 'Dark Beauty'...your preference. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #06228
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Epimedium grandiflorum 'Tama-no-gempei' (Tama-no-gempei Fairy Wings)
Part Sun to ShadeZone: 4-8 16" tall Origin: Japan
Open House/Web-Only!
This popular Japanese selection has been slow to reach the US, so we are glad to help it along. The deciduous, clumping E. 'Tama-no-gempei' emerges in spring with attractive purple-tinted foliage. The first of the purple-and-white bicolor flowers are held just above the foliage, but rise higher, eventually to 16" tall. Seeing a mature clump will make you rethink the old adage about epimediums not being showy...Splendid! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #03751
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Epimedium grandiflorum var. higoense 'Bandit' (Bandit Fairy Wings)
Part Sun to Light ShadeZone: 4-8 6" tall Origin: Japan
Wow!...That's the only word we could find to express our reaction when we first saw a clump of Epimedium 'Bandit'. This truly distinctive epimedium emerges with small leaves that are surrounded by a 1/2" wide "hand painted" border of dark black-purple. Atop the amazing foliage are large clusters of contrasting, creamy-white flowers. E. 'Bandit' was originally purchased unnamed in Japan by We-Du Nursery and named in 2000 by epimedium guru Darrell Probst. We are thrilled to be able to share this superb selection with our customers! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #05123
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Epimedium grandiflorum var. violaceum 'Bronze Maid (Bronze Maiden Fairy Wings)
Part Sun to ShadeZone: 4-8 12" tall Origin: Hybrid
Open House/Web-Only!
E. 'Bronze Maiden' is a 1999 release from epimedium guru Darrell Probst that emerges in spring with mahogany-bronze new foliage, which is in turn topped with mauvy-lavender clusters of large-spurred flowers in late March and April in NC. Expect a three year old clump of this winter-deciduous selection to reach 1' tall x 30" wide. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #08492
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Epimedium koreanum 'Harold Epstein' (Harold Epstein Fairy Wings)
Part Sun to Light ShadeZone: 4-8 15" tall Origin: Korea
This fantastic selection was named after the godfather of American rock gardening, the late Harold Epstein, by plantsman Jerry Flintoff. The 5" long green leaves emerge on bright red stems and begin to unfurl just as the huge butter-yellow flowers are finishing. Epimedium 'Harold Epstein' makes a large clump that spreads at the rate of 8" per year once established. This is truly a dazzling sight in flower and a superb groundcover in foliage! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #05125
SOLD OUT |
Epimedium 'Mini Pearl' (Mini Pearl Fairy Wings)
Part Sun to Light ShadeZone: 5-8, at least 24" tall Origin: Hybrid
NEW!
This PDN seedling (probably an E. sagitatum hybrid) has been a favorite for years in our trials and now we finally have enough to share. E. 'Mini Pearl' makes a tight clump, topped, starting in very early March (NC) with 2' spikes of tiny pink buds, which open to small white flowers, each highlighted by a yellow cup. E. 'Mini Pearl' produces the same cloud-like effect of E. sagitatum. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #07321
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Epimedium 'Pink Elf' PP 17,228 (Pink Elf Fairy Wings)
Part Sun to Light ShadeZone: 5-8 12" tall Origin: Hybrid
This Robin White hybrid was derived from a rendevous of E. leptorrhizum and E. pubescens. The evergreen foliage adorns a 1' tall x 2' wide clump, topped in early spring with flower stalks of tiny, airy light pink flowers. Each pink flower is highlighted by a darker bronze cup...very cute.
Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #08190
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Epimedium pinnatum ssp. colchicum 'Thunderbolt' (Thunderbolt Fairy Wings)
Light Shade to ShadeZone: 5-8, at least 10" tall Origin: Republic of Georgia
Open House/Web-Only!
This 1973 collection from Soviet Georgia by the US National Arboretum's Skip March was later named by Darrell Probst. At the onset of cold weather, the amazing evergreen foliage darkens to charcoal black with contrasting green veins which form a "thunderbolt" pattern. This species, which spreads by rhizomes, makes a 3' wide patch in 6 years, topped in spring with 10" tall flower spikes with open-faced, bright yellow flowers. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #06846
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Epimedium stellulatum Long Leaf Form (Longleaf Fairy Wings)
Part Sun to ShadeZone: 4-8, at least 18" tall Origin: China
Open House/Web-Only!
This collectors item is an unusual form of the rare Epimedium stellulatum, collected in Shaanxi Province in 1996 by NACPEC (North American China Plant Exploration Consortium). The evergreen clumps are composed of un-epimedium-like, long, spiny leaves, and topped in spring with airy, 18" scapes of small white flowers. We are pleased to be able to share this choice fairy wing with the gardening public. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #03341
SOLD OUT |
Epimedium x omeiense 'Myriad Years' (Myriad Years Fairy Wings)
Part Sun to Light ShadeZone: 5-8, possibly warmer 12" tall Origin: China
Open House/Web-Only!
We are pleased to re-introduce this wonderful 2002 Heronswood introduction, for those who missed it the first time around. E. 'Myriad Years' is Dan's clonal collection from limestone cliffs in Sichuan, China. Dan's 2002 catalog states, "It has proven to be the most spectacular that I currently cultivate." The 1' tall glossy evergreen clump has new foliage that emerges with a pink flush and is topped in late spring with 20" arching spikes of large, spider-like, bicolor flowers...dark purple spurs backed by mauvy pink sepals. E. 'Myriad Years' is a slowly-spreading clump that will make a 3' wide patch in 5 years.
Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #07327
SOLD OUT |
Epimedium x rubrum 'Sweetheart' (Sweetheart Fairy Wings)
Part Sun to Light ShadeZone: 4-8 16" tall Origin: Hybrid
Open House/Web-Only!
(E. x rubrum Cobblewood Form CC #93007) This Darrell Probst hybrid (E. sempervirens 'Candy Hearts' x E. alpinum) is a stunning, much-improved version of the typical E. x rubrum. Epimedium 'Sweetheart' has much better foliage (larger and darker green) that is fully evergreen, even in the North. In spring, the new leaves are heavily flushed with red, creating a stunning show. Above the foliage are the flower stalks that present clusters of scrumptious, bright-pink flowers. In time, this is sure to become the new industry standard. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #03684
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Epimedium x versicolor 'Cherry Tart' (Cherry Tart Fairy Wings)
Part Sun to Light ShadeZone: 5-8 12" tall Origin: Hybrid
This 1999 introduction was discovered as a seedling in the garden of our friend and keen gardener Judy Springer of Virginia. The short rhizomes form a slowly-expanding clump, topped in spring with 1' tall foliage that emerges with an attractive reddish purple flush about the same time the flower spikes top the foliage with large, outfacing, pink and cherry-red flowers. You'll agree that it's a combination scrumptious enough to eat! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #07388
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Epimedium x youngianum 'Be My Valentine' (Be My Valentine Fairy Wings)
Part Sun to Light ShadeZone: 4-8 10" tall Origin: Hybrid
This 1999 Darrell Probst introduction is named after the late Betty Valentine, a rock gardener from Berlin, Connecticut. This E. x youngianum selection is always one of our favorites in the spring garden when the 10" tall clump is smothered in late March with dozens of flower laden stalks, each flower composed of purple sepals, highlighted by white spurs and white cups...a truly excellent and very cute selection. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #06841
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Epimedium x youngianum 'Tamabotan' (Tamabotan Fairy Wings)
Part Sun to Light ShadeZone: 5-8, at least 16" tall Origin: Japan
From Japan comes this spectacular hybrid fairy wing. In spring, the large, light lavender flowers (darker toward the tips) are held atop the scrumptious, dark-purple foliage. After flowering, the new growth changes to green and tops the old flowers, eventually making a 16" tall specimen. This clumping selection is superb as a woodland groundcover for spring color. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #03076
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Epimedium 'Yokihi' (Yokihi Fairy Wing)
Part Sun to Light ShadeZone: 4-8, at least 12" tall Origin: Hybrid
NEW!
I'm in love with this vigorous Japanese fairy wing hybrid (E. davidii x E. grandiflorum 'Yubae'), which makes a tight 1' tall x 18" wide deciduous clump. The clumps are topped in spring with 18" tall flower spikes of large flowers, each composed of a white spur and backed by neon pink sepals...a real eye catcher for the woodland garden. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #08104
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