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Epimedium ‘Yubae’
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Image © Naylor Creek Nursery |
Printer-friendly Fact Sheet
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| Outstanding Qualities |
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One of the best Epimedium grandiflorum hybrids, ‘Yubae’ blooms sooner and for longer than others. Beginning in late winter its flowers appear like large, purple-red spiders hanging from its slender stalks. These clustered floral sprays are produced well into April. Fresh, bright green leaves emerge in flushes soon after the flowering starts. Each flush of new leaves covers and masks the sets of fading blossoms. After flowering has finished, the foliage maintains its bright green appearance until it dies back in the fall. ‘Yubae‘ is an outstanding perennial for the shade garden, where it combines well with ferns, hostas and hellebores. For added contrast, plant it with Brunnera ‘Jack Frost‘ or Carex ‘Evergold‘. It can also be used in massed plantings. ‘Yubae’ is the original Japanese name of this clone, but it has long been sold as ‘Rose Queen‘. Old-fashioned common names for this genus include barrenwort (for purported medicinal qualities) and bishop’s hat (for flower shape). Some gardeners like the common name fairy wings, but most just call these epimediums. |
| Culture |
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Epimediums are easy-to-grow, undemanding perennials. Epimedium grandiflorum is native to China, Japan and Korea. Like many Asian species and their cultivars, ‘Yubae’ grows best in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil with ample water during dry periods. Place in partial to bright open shade (for example, under deciduous trees) for prolific spring flowering. In more shade, there will be fewer blooms. The foliage of ‘Yubae’ can be cut to ground level once it becomes untidy in late fall. |
| Growing Habit |
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‘Yubae‘ is a clump-forming perennial. It grows to 18 inches tall and, with time, spreads 30 to 36 inches wide. To create a mass planting, set plants 12 inches on center. |
| Hardiness |
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USDA zones 5 to 8 |
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© 2009 Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden
Funded by the Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation
Administered by the Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden