giant form

Epimedium grandiflorum f . flavescens #6

Epimedium grandiflorum f. flavescens #6

Cc. 950188
Distinctive for the exaggerated extra points on each terminal leaflet. In spring, the large leaflets have a thin dark bronze edging with an overall light bronze blush. The smooth leaf surface and very delicate spring coloration creates a soft effect. Sizeable clusters of large, showy, pale yellow flowers are borne on long sprays beneath the leaves as they unfurl. 16” in bloom, to 20” tall. Spreads 2-4" per year.

Iris tectorum ‘Slippery Slope’

Iris tectorum ‘Slippery Slope’

***2010 Cobblewood Introduction***

Darrell has failed endless times growing the Japanese roof iris in our climate. The flower buds die over winter, starting a rot that eventually kills the plant. He collected this much hardier clone at a high elevation in the Dabashan region of southern Shaanxi Province, China. Here they were pulled up and over the icy mountain by a coal truck in Nov. 2000, hence the cultivar name.

This clone thrives in half sun on an exposed stony ridge in my garden. Best with sharp drainage in light shade/part sun. Large 4” violet blossoms emerge in late spring from 2’ × 2’ bright green foliage fans, giving a tropical appearance to an otherwise New England perennial garden. Spreads slowly, 2-5". per year, by fleshy rhizomes to form a massive clump over time, so give it some elbow room! Needs division every 3-4 years for maximum vigor.

Epimedium grandiflorum ‘French Braid’

E. grandiflorum ‘French Braid’ (Cc. 960042)

***2007 Cobblewood Introduction***

This eye-catching, vigorous, bold-foliaged seedling from Harold Epstein’s garden stands out from the pack with its bright, almost tropical spring leaf coloration. A psychedelic shade of orange flushes the edge of the leaflets that are dissected by luminous chartreuse veins flowing into an all green center. Large, elongated, overlapping leaflets tumble downward in a zig-zag pattern. Large creamy white flowers are borne underneath the expanding leaflets. 14” in bloom.

Epimedium grandiflorum forma flavescens “Aomori Forms”

E. g. f. flavescens “Aomori Forms” (Several clones/Cc. #)

Prof. Stearn’s 1938 Epimedium monograph mentions “Faurie’s robust specimens from Aomori in Honshu, Japan”. Darrell explored the region in 1997. After several inquiries, their host led them to a steep hillside of densely planted Cryptomeria japonica, beneath which grew knee-high Epimediums with leaflets the size of your hand! Spring leaflets often flushed bronze-purple on 15-24” stems. Large, light yellow flowers open beneath the unfurling leaves. Rhizomes spread 2-4” a year, creating massive clumps over time.

Epimedium ‘Hot Lips’

Epimedium ‘Hot Lips’ (Cc. 031434)

An E. acuminatum hybrid from Diana Reeck of the former Collector's Nursery, with multi-toned flowers of hot pink with the long spurred petals that are decidedly hotter than the broad sepals. Flower stems are tinged burgundy red. Long narrow foliage emerges a reddish pink. Given a bit of bright shade or moderate sun in the north, the plant can reach 20” high. Its bright blooms and bold semi-evergreen foliage draws your eye from quite a distance.

Epimedium grandiflorum f. flavescens #5

E. grandiflorum f. flavescens #5 (Cc. 970232)

Reminiscent of E. koreanum ‘Harold Epstein’, with large soft yellow flowers and huge rounded leaflets, nearly as broad as long. However, its spreading rhizomes only grow 2-6” per year, forming a much thicker mass in the garden. Large, light yellow flowers held below the emerging foliage. 20” tall. Rusty red fall color.