Epimedium Amber Queen - Barrenwort

The Epimedium 'Amber Queen' is perhaps one of the most floriferous new hybrids. From the end of April, long floral spikes of 45cm (18in) bear a multitude of coppery orange flowers, with strongly elongated petals. It blooms continuously until early summer.

Also known as fairy flowers, this Asian hybrid forms a compact stump from which emerge magnificent evergreen leaves, sagittate (arrow-shaped) and irregularly spotted with bronze markings that turn green as they age. It can be grown either in a bed with ferns (Dryopteris erythrosora), heuchera 'Caramel' or euphorbia griffithi, or in a large shady rockery, along a path to fully enjoy its beauty.

Originating from Asia and Europe to North Africa, epimediums are excellent ground covers for shade. More tolerant but less showy in flowers, western species can tolerate growing conditions such as dry shade and heavy or chalky soils.

Asian species, more aesthetically pleasing, prefer moist soils, especially in summer, and rich in humus. They thrive in shaded areas. Flowering occurs in March for the earliest ones and continues until June for the latest ones. The foliage is evergreen in over 90% of the species and regenerates in spring, giving way to young decorative foliage often spotted or marbled with brown, copper, or red depending on the varieties.