Epimedium ‘Wildside Ruby'

Barrenwort  Berberidaceae

A ruby-red spring show-off from the nursery that specialised in making shade interesting. Epimedium ‘Wildside Ruby’ was bred by Keith Wiley at Wildside Nursery, Devon, and is valued as much for its foliage as its flowers. The clue is in the name: the young leaves emerge a spectacular deep ruby-red, gradually maturing to green while retaining attractive colouring. 

In spring, the foliage is topped by sprays of small bicoloured flowers, with yellow petals and contrasting red sepals—a rather good combination of restrained flower power and flamboyant foliage. Evergreen and clump-forming, it makes an excellent long-term groundcover for woodland planting and dry shade.

Give it humus-rich soil and partial shade; a little more light helps bring out the strongest ruby colouring. ‘Wildside Ruby’ is proof that an Epimedium needn’t have enormous flowers to make a considerable impression.

Height: 30–45cm | Spread: 40–60cm
Flowering: April–May | Foliage: Evergreen
Hardiness: H6 (-20 to -15°C)