For every season

OFTEN we scratch our heads when we look at so called ‘problem areas’ in our gardens, but one plant comes up trumps in dry shade - in fact it positively revels in it - and that plant is Epimedium. Epimediums are very good value plants in as much as they are capable of giving year round interest as they have such interesting spring and winter leaf colour. Epimedium - commonly known as Barrenwort or Bishop’s mitre - hails from the Mediterranean and parts of Asia and can be found growing in dry, rocky places.

There are over thirty different species; some are deciduous in autumn whilst others hang onto their old leaves until the new ones start to grow. They make excellent ground cover and the new leaf growth is often bronze-tinged in spring. Their very best feature is the tiny star-like flowers that appear in late spring. These little jewels are most intricate, small and delicately formed and come in a range of colours from yellows, whites, oranges and dark pink. The flower heads are held high up above the leaves and their four-petalled flowers often end with a spur at the end of the petal. They grow up the flowering stem in loose racemes or sometimes panicles.

Here at RHS Garden Harlow Carr we have several lovely species under deciduous trees - where they take advantage of the light in the early months - and along the woodland edges. Epimedium grandiflorum ‘Lilafee’, which as the name suggest has a larger flower than most, is looking particularly good now with its starry crimson flowers ending in white at the tip of its spurs. Another excellent cultivar is Epimedium x perralchicum ‘Frohnleiten’: this evergreen Epimedium has leaves that are flushed bronze in spring and as the winter sets in, they again turn the most glorious bronze with mottled and intricate marbling on the leaves. The yellow starry flowers are tiny but held high upon the stem - they are a joy to behold.

Planting companions

Coupled with Convallaria majalis - Lily of the Valley - either the white form or the rose pink form (Convallaria majalis var rosea), they make stunning partners. Lily of the Valleys are also very happy in dry shade and once established will romp away. Ferns are another good planting partner: Arthrium, the Japanese painted fern, makes a lovely foil with its silver grey foliage and purple midribs or Arthrium filix-femina ‘Frizelliae’ quirkily known as Mrs Frizell’s lady fern. With its modified fronds projecting from the midrib, which some say look like handmade lace, it also sits well with Epimediums.

Aftercare

Looking after your Epimediums couldn’t be easier: check them over for any damaged or dead looking leaves in early spring and add some well-rotted compost around the crown. Periodically divide the clumps when they get too large. They are slow growing and as they are often planted for ground cover, they can colonise a space quite happily without too much intervention. Generally, they are untroubled by pests but if you are growing them in a container, watch out for vine weevils. Don’t let this stop you from getting a good all-rounder as the results will be rewarding.

To do this week

Now is a good time to take cuttings of Geraniums, Pelagoniums and Fuchsias. Cut below a leaf node with a sharp clean knife and insert into a pot of well-drained compost, water well and either cover with a plastic bag or keep misted to help those roots develop.

Keep feeding the birds: high protein meal worms are great for birds to keep their strength up whilst feeding their young.

As the temperatures start to rise don’t cut the grass too short to help it cope with the dry season.

With thanks to Katherine Musgrove, Horticulturist at RHS Garden Harlow Carr

For more information on things to do in the garden this month visit rhs.org.uk

DIARY DATES

June 25: Royal Horticultural Society’s Annual General Meeting at RHS Garden Harlow Carr

A range of free events and guided tours are being offered exclusively to RHS members as part of the Society’s AGM. Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are a chance to see the latest developments in the Kitchen Garden, Streamside Walk and Main Borders. There will be an ‘Ask the Experts’ Q&A hosted by a panel of experts from the gardening world and a chance to hear about recent successes and plans for the future from RHS President Sir Nicholas Bacon and Director General Sue Biggs. Free event for RHS members only.

June 27-28: Petal to Pot Garden Party

In partnership with Bettys, the Petal to Pot Summer Garden Party celebrates the quintessential tradition of tea and cake. Meet artisans from Bettys Craft Bakery as they demonstrate the skills of cake decorating and baking or learn to cook the Bettys way with demonstrations from Bettys Cookery School. The weekend includes live music, tea and cake stalls, and much more.

Events at RHS Garden Harlow Carr are FREE with the normal garden entrance fee, except where stated.

As the UK’s leading gardening charity, the proceeds taken from events and tickets sales at all RHS gardens help to fund the many activities undertaken by the RHS to promote horticulture and help gardeners. For further information on all the above events please call 01423-565418.