Epimedium 'Frohnleiten'

Epimedium 'Frohnleiten': Evergreen Cover Where Tree Roots Rule

Dry shade under a maple is where good plants go to give up. 'Frohnleiten' moves in, spreads a carpet of heart-shaped leaves and floats butter-yellow flowers above them. DRY SHADE? CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Epimedium × perralchicum 'Frohnleiten'
• Common Name: Barrenwort, Bishop's Hat
• Height: 30–40 cm (12–15 in)
• Spread: 45 cm (18 in), slowly spreading
• Flowers: Bright butter-yellow, about 2 cm across, in airy sprays held above the leaves
• Bloom Time: Spring (April to May)
• Foliage: Evergreen to semi-evergreen, heart-shaped leaflets that emerge mottled red and mature to glossy green
• Features: Rabbit resistant, early spring flowers, groundcover for dry shade

Where to Plant: Use it as a groundcover under trees, along a shady path, or at the front of a woodland bed. It is one of the more reliable choices for dry shade where tree roots outcompete most perennials, and its evergreen leaves keep the bed looking finished long after other plants go dormant.

Companion Plants: Tiarella 'Pink Skyrocket' adds pink flower spikes in May and June, just after the yellow barrenwort. Astilboides tabularis brings huge, round leaves and cream plumes at 90 to 125 cm in June and July. Cimicifuga 'Chocoholic' finishes the year with pink spires from August to October. Low, bold and tall forms make this a well-layered shade planting.

Plant Care: Plant in part shade to full shade in humus-rich, well-drained soil. Work in some compost at planting and keep it watered through its first year. Once established, it copes with dry shade. Shelter from harsh winter wind helps the foliage look its best. Epimediums are slow to settle and may take two or three seasons to fill out. Patience pays. In late winter or very early spring, cut the old leaves to the ground before the new flower stems appear. That way the flowers aren't hidden and the fresh foliage looks clean. Divide in late summer or early fall if you want more plants.

History: 'Frohnleiten' is a hybrid between two evergreen species from North Africa and the Caucasus region, Epimedium perralderianum and Epimedium pinnatum subsp. colchicum, and it is credited to German nurseryman Heinz Klose. The cultivar shares its name with Frohnleiten, a town in Styria, Austria.

Final Thoughts: Plant a patch under the trees and stop fighting the roots. LET THE PROFESSIONAL HANDLE IT.