Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
'Pink Elf'
bishop's hat
The beautiful evergreen, clump-forming perennial Epimedium 'Pink Elf' is delicate in appearance, yet is both hardy and tough. Sprays of soft, nodding, pink flowers appear in early spring. Each bloom comprises pale pink spurs, surrounding a darker ruby-pink centre, or cup. They have a charming, slightly flicked-up appearance. A repeat show of flowers occurs in September. Epimedium 'Pink Elf' is an evergreen, but new leaves do emerge in spring; these are flushed bronze, and turn to pale green as the season progresses. The mature leaves become flushed with orange, particularly around the margins, in cold weather. The leaf stems are orange-bronze!
Known variously as barrenwort, bishop’s hat and half a dozen or so other common names, all epimediums are at their happiest in well-drained soil. They also prefer to grow in partial shade, easily provided by larger plants, and they are particularly effective beneath deciduous shrubs. Epimedium 'Pink Elf' adapts well to growing in a patio container, but keep it in a semi-shaded position, and make sure it does not bake dry in summer.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Epimedium 'Pink Elf'
- Flower colour
- Pink
- Established height
- 20-30cm
- Established spread
- 20-30cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Upright
Spreading - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 10 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
-
Free draining
Damp - Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Large containers
Borders
Ground cover
Woodland gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
-
Dappled shade
Partial shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1-2 years
Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.