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The Epimedium or ikaru-gusu The Epimedium or ikaru-gusu, ikaru meaning plant and gusu meaning anchor, refers to the Japanese fishing boats with a 4 hooked anchor and relate to this lovely woodland flower. These robust and beautiful plants have been popular in their home-place for centuries, only recently receiving they deserve in the West. They belong in the under storey of the woodland, preferring moist conditions with free draining, humus rich, cool shady soil. In spring the epimedium will send out new limey red and bronze coloured foliage, which quickly matures to a coral patterned leaf, often with veins. These beautiful lush leaves stay on the plant for most of the year, often turning hues of purple, crimson and scarlet in the autumn. It is best to divide in late August to premote rapid growth ready for winter. They fulfil the pre-requisite of being the most diverse and stunning of groundcover plants, easily maturing and spreading rapidly to provide low lush leaves. Their flowers are small and held up high above this exceptional foliage. There are still many unnamed varieties arriving from China and Japan extending the boundaries of this remarkably handsome genus, some of which I am told are successful for pot culture. Contacts:- Europa nurseries, London, www.europa-nursery.co.uk Article contributed by: Tim Thomas Submitted on: 15th January 2005 |
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