Epimedium x warleyense - Barrenwort

The Epimedium warleyense, commonly known as Elf Flower, is a perennial plant with evergreen foliage and unique copper, red, orange, and yellow flowers. It is a perfect ground cover for shade and partial shade.

Native to Asia, the Epimedium warleyense is a rhizomatous perennial plant belonging to the Berberidaceae family. Its foliage is evergreen, giving it a presence in the garden throughout the year.

In late spring (April/May), delicate small flowers with copper-orange sepals and pale yellow petals bloom on slender stems. This color combination is quite unique for the genus. It is from this elegance and delicacy that it gets its name "Elf Flower".

The leaves are compound with heart-shaped leaflets. They are medium green, spiny, and finely edged with red when young and in autumn. With a height of 30 to 50 cm (12 to 20in), it has a spreading habit in loose clumps, making it an excellent ground cover.

Thriving in shady or partially shady conditions and coexisting well with tree roots, the Epimedium warleyense is a providential plant for covering and flowering difficult areas and dressing the base of trees. It is hardy, tolerating temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F). With its warm color and vibrant hues, it will brighten up your garden.

Some gardeners may find it a bit slow to establish, but your patience will be rewarded with its vigor and long lifespan.