Epimedium Sphinx Twinkler - Barrenwort

The Epimedium 'Sphinx Twinkler' is a variety of Elf Flower, a charming rhizomatous perennial plant with semi-evergreen foliage that bears delicate sulfur yellow flowers in spring. Its spreading habit makes it a perfect ground cover for shade or partial shade.

Belonging to the berberidaceae family, the Epimedium 'Sphinx Twinkler' bears delicate small sulfur yellow flowers, very bright perched on slender stems in late spring (usually from April to May). It is from this elegance and delicacy that it gets its name "Elf Flower".

Its semi-evergreen foliage is composed of narrow, spiny leaflets, with a medium green color that turns a beautiful coppery shade in spring. Reaching a height of 35 cm (14in) with an equal spread, its loose tufted habit is spreading, making it a perfect ground cover for shade or partial shade. Its good cohabitation with roots also allows you to use it to dress the base of trees.

The Elf Flower thrives in cool conditions, ideally in a neutral pH soil (neither too acidic nor too alkaline) that is well-draining. As a plant of light woodland, it particularly appreciates humus-rich soil, so an annual compost application would be welcome. Once established, it can tolerate temporary drought. The Epimedium is hardy down to - 15°.

Easy to care for, its maintenance consists of removing the faded foliage from the previous year in late winter before the flowers appear. Some gardeners complain about its somewhat slow establishment, but your patience will be rewarded both by its vigor and its great longevity.

'Sphinx Twinkler' a perfect plant to cover and flower difficult areas such as shaded areas or tree bases. But it would be a shame to confine it to a utilitarian ground cover role: accompanied by Ferns, Hostas, Foxgloves and Candelabra Primroses, it will create a superb light shade border.