EPIMEDIUM 'Spine Tingler'

Description

Epimedium 'Spine Tingler'

Height x Spread: 30cm x 40cm

Why 'Spine Tingler'?  It must be for the unusual spiny tipped saw-toothed edge to its semi-evergreen elongated leaves, a hint of 'something of the night'.  Initially glossy and reddish-bronze when they open, they mature to a dark green over the summer.  The flowers are striking, like fine spiders with narrow curved petals in pale lemon to lime, they appear in early spring and can last into early summer.

Found in China by plant collector Daniel Probst and introduced in 2008, this is a very hardy and hard-working plant.  Prefering a humus-rich, moist but free draining soil in part shade it can tolerate full shade too.  Ideal for underplanting trees and shrubs, we recommend planting it in large groups through a woodland garden, its remarkable flowers shining out of the gloom.  Cut back carefully any old foliage in January to reveal the flowers and new foliage.