What: Epimedium × perralchicum ‘Fröhnleiten’ is an old German cultivar that is one of the toughest epimediums for Northwest landscapes. In late winter and early spring, butter-yellow flowers are borne in profusion on dainty stalks. As the flowers fade, heart-shaped leaflets appear, each of fresh, bright green with red highlights between the veins. This foliage matures to green, remaining weather resistant and fully evergreen through winter. Old-fashioned common names for this genus include barrenwort (for purported medicinal qualities) and bishop’s hat (for flower shape). Some gardeners like the name fairy wings, but most just call these epimediums.
Where: ‘Fröhnleiten’ makes a excellent ground cover, filling an area so densely that it prevents weeds from becoming established. Plant in light to dappled shade. This tough ground cover tolerates a wide range of soil conditions from sand to clay and moist to well-drained.
Size: Grows to 16 inches high to 10 feet wide in 10 years.
Care: Water occasionally during the driest periods of summer. Cut the leaves to the ground in January or early February to allow the new flowers to take center stage.
— Richie Steffen
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