Its blossoms dance towards spring with filigree lightness above fresh green foliage. So far, the elf flower has been considered an insider tip among hobby gardeners for the decorative greening of shady locations. As a flowering ground cover, it usually lies at the foot of mighty trees. The following answers to frequently asked questions illustrate how easy Epimediums are to cultivate.

The delicate blossoms of the elf flower are truly reminiscent of elves

Table of Contents

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  1. Plant elf flower correctly
  2. care tips
  3. Which location is suitable?
  4. The right planting distance
  5. What soil does the plant need?
  6. What is the best planting time?
  7. When is flowering time?
  8. Properly cut elfin flower
  9. Water elf flower
  10. Fertilize elfin flower properly
  11. pests
  12. hibernate
  13. Propagating Elf Flower
  14. Is elf flower poisonous?
  15. brown leaves
  16. Yellow leaves
  17. trivia
  18. Beautiful varieties

    19. Plant elf flower correctly

    When autumn is the ideal time for planting perennials, elfin flowers are on hand to lushly green orphaned shady areas. Make several planting pits in the deep, loose and freshly moist soil at a distance of 25-30 cm. Add mature compost and horn shavings (€32.93) to the excavation. A few handfuls of leaf or coniferous compost give slightly compacted soil the desired permeability. In the course of this preparatory work, the still potted root balls remain in a vessel with lime-free water until they are thoroughly soaked. Then pot up the Epimedium and place them in the planting pits, maintaining the previous planting depth. Pour on with soft water. A mulch layer of leaves protects the young plants in the first winter.

    care tips

    The horticultural timetable for professional care of Epimedium is primarily based on a balanced water and nutrient balance. Do not let an elf flower dry out at any time of the year. Pour only soft water directly onto the root disk once the soil has dried. The perennial will gladly accept a portion of compost with horn shavings (€32.93) in autumn. Otherwise leave the autumn leaves in the bed, because they will turn into nutritious hummus. Cutting back the withered flower stalks protects the plant from exhausting seed growth. Cut back deciduous Epimedium species to the ground in autumn, followed by the evergreen specimens in late winter. Light winter protection has proven useful in the year of planting as well as for the more sensitive, deciduous Elfin varieties.
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    Which location is suitable?

    The origin defines the ideal site conditions. As wintergreen ground cover, the robust European species can also cope with heavy root pressure from mighty trees and shrubs. The more sensitive Asian epimediums feel in good hands in the shady perennial bed in the vicinity of companions that tend to be tame, such as hosta, Caucasian forget-me-nots or ferns. All elf flowers have these demands on the location in common:

    • Partly shaded to shaded location
    • Humus, fresh and moist soil
    • Slightly acidic pH from 5.5 to 6.5

    First and foremost, make sure that an elf flower does not get exposed to blazing sunlight, because the delicate beauty is not up to this stress. However, where the framework conditions at least approximately meet the requirements, Epimedium will remain loyal to you for up to 20 years.
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    The right planting distance

    Epimediums primarily function as flowering ground covers or set eye-catching accents in the perennial bed in the small tuff. When arranging the individual elven flowers, the skilful measurement of the planting distance assumes that they usually thrive as wide as they are tall. With a distance of 25-30 cm between the perennials and the neighboring plant, you are exactly right.

    What soil does the plant need?

    The central criterion for the ideal soil condition is first-class permeability. Attributes such as rich in nutrients, humus and fresh-moist follow. A neutral to acidic soil value of 5.5 to 6.5 is also relevant for vital growth. This is especially true of the Asian, deciduous Epimedium.

    What is the best planting time?

    The best possible planting time for Epimedium extends over the months of September and October. At this time, the soil is warmed up by the summer sun and offers the best growth conditions for the rhizomes. If you miss this date, plant the elf flower in spring, in which case the first flowering period will be postponed to next year.

    When is flowering time?

    All Epimediums flower from April to May. The perennial only very rarely dresses in its floral dress at the beginning/middle of June. In order to save an elf flower the effort of seed formation, cut off the flower stalks that protrude above the foliage in good time.

    Properly cut elfin flower

    There are several occasions when the gardener cuts his Epimedium. The graceful flowers can already be cut to decorate vases while they are in bloom. In addition, the shapely heart leaves are very popular as floristic accessories. After flowering, it is advantageous to cut off the withered stems above the foliage, because the growth of seeds takes a lot of energy from an elf flower. Cut the deciduous Epimedium species close to the ground in autumn. With their dense foliage, the evergreen perennials drive the sadness out of the garden during the cold season and are only cut down to the ground in early spring.
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    Water elf flower

    Since the creeping rhizomes of Epimedium spread horizontally and only go slightly deep, there is a need for regular watering. As soon as the soil dries up on the surface, it is watered with soft water. Pour collected rainwater or decalcified tap water directly onto the root disk so as not to damage the flowers and leaves. Please note that wintergreen elfin flowers will continue to be watered during the cold season, barring snow and rain.

    Fertilize elfin flower properly

    A compost fertilization in autumn sets the course for a perfect early start next year. Since, as part of organic fertilization, the nutrients are only absorbed from temperatures well above 10 degrees Celsius, a start fertilization in March comes to nothing. Where compost is not available, knowledgeable home gardeners simply leave the fall leaves where they turn into nutritious humus. Nettle and comfrey liquid manure, which is easy to make yourself, is best suited for the nutrient supply. Avoid feeding too much mineral compound fertilizer. The high nitrogen content drives leaf growth in particular, which is at the expense of the delicate flowers.

    pests

    The most important pests for Epimedium are the voracious slugs. These pests don't care much about the poison content, because they attack the delicate blossoms and juicy leaves unbridled. Therefore protect individual elf flowers with a snail collar. Beds with extensive planting are surrounded by an electric snail fence. Additionally, place deep bowls of old beer within fenced off areas. In addition, hiking barriers with sharp stones act as a deterrent to wolverines. Anyone who is reluctant to reach for chemical slug pellets (7.49€) regularly sprinkles coffee grounds, as the caffeine has a toxic effect on snails.

    hibernate

    The hardier European Epimedium bravely stand up to frost down to -28 degrees Celsius. Therefore, no precautions need to be taken before the first frost for the evergreen beauties. If you simply leave the autumn leaves in the bed, the rhizomes are adequately protected from the rigors of the cold season. Young plants in the first year and the more sensitive Asian, deciduous pixie flowers are given a protective layer of peat dust and pine twigs in the fall as a precaution.

    Propagating Elf Flower

    The numerous stolons of a well-established elfin flower provide ample material for propagation. In spring or fall, cut off easily rooted pieces. In the new semi-shady to shady location, plant the rhizome cuttings 25-30 cm apart as deep as before. The division requires a little gardening experience. In the fall, dig up the plant to break up the root ball. Although damage to the rhizomes is unavoidable, the extent should be limited. Before you plant the segments, the soil is enriched with compost and horn shavings. Please adhere to the previous planting depth as precisely as possible and water generously with soft water.

    Is elf flower poisonous?

    The botanical assignment to the buttercup family indicates a possible poison content. Distantly related to monkshood or delphiniums, epimediums also contain a small amount of poison. We are talking about alkaloids and bitter substances that can lead to symptoms of poisoning after intentional or accidental consumption.
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    brown leaves

    Brown leaves on Epimedium are usually nothing to worry about. In early spring, the perennials sprout with reddish-brown leaves, which only turn light green in the course of summer. Deciduous Epimedium species then sometimes take on a brownish-yellow color in autumn before the leaves fall to the ground and act there as winter protection and humus supplier. The evergreen elven flowers signal with brown leaves in late winter that they have now shot their floral powder and it is time for pruning.

    Yellow leaves

    Yellow leaves with prominent green veins are a common symptom of chlorosis. This is a nutrient deficiency that is triggered by the use of calcareous irrigation water. Too much lime in the soil fixes important minerals and trace elements so that the roots can no longer absorb them. From now on, if you only give your Epimedium collected rainwater or decalcified tap water, experience has shown that the perennials will recover.

    trivia

    In 2014, German perennial gardeners paid their respects to the elfin flower by naming Epimedium Perennial of the Year. The hitherto little-known forest plant owes this honor to its delicate blossom beauty, coupled with robust resilience and a wide variety of varieties. Thus, Epimedium joins popular perennials, such as Hosta, Veronica or Aster, which have achieved this coveted title in previous years.

    Beautiful varieties

    • Akebono: The large-flowered Epimedium dresses in a delicate lilac-colored flower dress over reddish-brown, later green foliage
    • Fairy Queen: The orchid-like, pure white flowers contrast beautifully with dark flower stalks
    • Ellen Willmot: With bright copper-pink blooms, these varieties breathe life into low-light locations
    • Nanum: This breed makes up for its short stature with dark red-edged leaves and white flowers
    • Amber Queen: Innovative new breed with yellow, orange marbled flowers and evergreen foliage

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Vegetable garden