Epimedium grandiflorum ‘Lilafee’ – A Woodland Gem with Lilac Charm

The Epimedium grandiflorum ‘Lilafee’, often known as Barrenwort or Fairy Wings, is a delicate yet hardy perennial that thrives in shady spots where many other plants struggle. This graceful variety produces sprays of starry, violet-lilac flowers with long spurs in spring, dancing above a mound of attractive, heart-shaped foliage. The young leaves often emerge with a bronze tint before maturing to green, then turning shades of red and bronze again in autumn, providing year-round interest.

Compact, reliable, and low-maintenance, ‘Lilafee’ is perfect for underplanting trees, brightening shaded borders, or adding subtle elegance to woodland-style gardens. Its combination of seasonal flowers and colourful foliage makes it an invaluable perennial for gardeners who want both beauty and resilience.

General Information

Epimediums are native to Asia and the Mediterranean, where they grow naturally in woodlands and shady areas. The cultivar ‘Lilafee’ is a popular choice thanks to its rich flower colour and ornamental foliage.

• Habit: Clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial with arching flower stems.

• Height & spread: Grows around 20–30cm tall and 30–45cm wide.

• Foliage: Heart-shaped leaves with a bronze flush when young, maturing to green, and turning reddish-bronze in autumn. Semi-evergreen in mild winters.

• Flowers: Sprays of violet-lilac, spurred blooms on wiry stems, appearing in clusters above the foliage.

• Flowering season: April to May, offering a cheerful spring display.

• Position: Prefers partial to full shade; perfect for woodland or underplanting.

• Soil: Fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil; tolerates dry shade once established.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK and Ireland.

• Uses: Ideal for shady borders, woodland gardens, groundcover under trees, or edging shaded paths.

This variety is valued not only for its dainty flowers but also for its ornamental foliage, which provides structure and seasonal colour in shaded settings.

Care Guide

Epimedium ‘Lilafee’ is very easy to grow, requiring little maintenance once established.

Planting

• When to plant: Best in spring or autumn when the soil is moist.

• Depth & spacing: Plant at the same depth as in the pot, spacing 30–40cm apart.

• Preparation: Enrich soil with compost or leaf mould before planting to improve fertility and moisture retention.

Watering & Feeding

• Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots.

• Once established, Epimediums are tolerant of dry shade but benefit from occasional watering in prolonged dry periods.

• Feed in spring with a slow-release balanced fertiliser or organic mulch to encourage lush foliage and flowers.

Pruning & Maintenance

• In late winter, cut back old, tired foliage before new growth appears to showcase the flowers more clearly.

• Deadhead faded blooms to tidy the plant, though many gardeners leave them to form seed heads.

• Mulch annually in spring with leaf mould or compost to improve soil and suppress weeds.

• Divide congested clumps every 4–5 years in spring or autumn if needed.

Protection

• Fully hardy and resilient in most conditions.

• Rarely affected by pests or diseases, though occasional slug damage may occur on new growth.

• Semi-evergreen in mild winters but may lose more foliage in harsher conditions – new leaves appear each spring.

Why Choose Epimedium grandiflorum ‘Lilafee’?

This elegant woodland perennial is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking reliable colour and charm in shaded spaces.

• Dainty flowers: Violet-lilac blooms add cheer in spring.

• Attractive foliage: Bronze-tinted young leaves and autumn colour extend seasonal appeal.

• Shade-loving: Thrives in spots where many plants fail.

• Low-maintenance: Hardy, drought-tolerant once established, and easy to grow.

• Versatile: Perfect for woodland gardens, shady borders, or groundcover under trees.

The Epimedium grandiflorum ‘Lilafee’ is a shade-loving perennial that combines delicate spring flowers with striking foliage interest throughout the year. Whether softening the base of trees, edging shaded pathways, or adding charm to woodland gardens, it brings long-lasting beauty and effortless elegance to the garden.

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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