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How do I grow epimediums?
Q I’d really love to try growing epimedium in a pot on my shady patio. Is it possible to grow them in this way and, if so, what compost should I use and which varieties would you suggest I try?
Marion May, via email
A Epimediums can be roughly divided into two groups. Those from Europe are the most tolerant of dry shade, including Epimedium alpinum, x rubrum, pinnatum and pubigerum, plus the hybrids involving these, such as Epimedium x versicolor.
Japanese species of epimedium, such as E. grandiflorum, are easy to grow but may not be ideal for the driest spots. Most species come from China with a huge range of forms, many of which make a great choice for the north side of a wall or a north-facing bed that receives plenty of moisture.
I’ve never tried to grow epimediums in containers and I haven’t been able to find a definitive answer as to whether it is possible. However, Hardy’s Plants lists the following as suitable for containers so I’m guessing that it is possible, but perhaps some varieties are more suited than others.
Those listed are , x ‘Roseum’, x ‘Fröhnleiten’ and ‘Orangekonigin’. Other varieties of
