Last fall we had the unique opportunity to bolster a plant collection that performs extremely well in Atlanta, Epimedium. When Karen Perkins decided to close Garden Vision, her nursery which specialized in this unique genus, we reached out to discuss building our collection. With her advice, we ordered a diverse array of these hardy perennial plants to add to Goizueta Gardens. Where we only had a few different kinds in our collection previously, we now have 1,045 plants of 68 different species and cultivars.
Epimedium wushanense in full bloom
Epimedium (also known as barrenwort or fairy wings), is an Asian groundcover that blooms in very early spring with intricate, orchid-like flowers ranging in color from yellow to orange to white to pink and purple and even bi-color combinations. Depending on the severity of winter, many Epimedium are evergreen or mostly evergreen year-round. Some gardeners prefer to cut their foliage to the ground in early January to provide an easy view of the flowers but this is not required. Some barrenwort are clumpers, while others slowly form a groundcover. Typically in Atlanta, Epimedium grow best in shade to partial shade, but some types are more sun tolerant than others. Although it has been on the horticultural scene for about 20 years, Epimedium can still be elusive to source in nurseries and often come with a hefty price tag. Mail-order specialist nurseries are often the best place to look.
We purchased 25 different species and cultivars, which were delivered bare-root. When you receive plants this way, it can be best to heel them in until you are ready to plant them in the garden. “Heeling in” just means tucking the plant’s bare roots into wood chips, soil, or another medium temporarily to keep the roots moist.
Epimedium are often sourced from mail-order nurseries, arriving carefully wrapped.
Although it is always sad to see a good plant nursery close, we are grateful to see the legacy of Garden Vision carry on here. Look for tall and tough selections like golden flowered ‘Songbirds’ in Oak Circle near McElreath hall, dainty miniatures ‘Jenny Wren’ and ‘Lilliputian’ in Olguita’s Garden on either side of the amphitheater, and ‘Mine-no-fubuki’ with wine-tinted new growth in the Asian Garden, amongst many others!