Woodland Snapshot

Amazing how much life there is there for Jan. Dawn. Brilliant!

Its hard to believe its only January. I need to learn about epimedium care - difference between deciduous and evergreen and removing leaves as I don't know what to do.

OH, I didn't know you got deciduous ones. You don't have to cut the leaves back, its only that it makes it easier to see the flowers and the new leaves which are so pretty. I cut mine back over the winter. If you leave it too late you end up cutting the buds off by mistake. I've already done mine this year, but now is a good time.

Thanks Karen, some of mine look so fresh and healthy I think I will leave the leaves on this year and see how it goes until I know their habit better.

The one I sent you is an evergreen one and I rarely cut the leaves off as the flowers tend to be taller than the leaves.

it looks lovely Dawn.

Great thanks Seaburn, it sounds a good one, it looks so healthy and now I don’t need to do anything that’s a bonus.

I left my leaves on last year Dawn and was sorry.They hid most of the flowers and the new leaves didn't show up, so its getting the chop again when the rain stops...
May be after the chop will be time to send you the promised ones.The soil has been so heavy I dreaded the postage...

Thanks Stera, oh yes it’s been so wet.
Do you chop off the lush healthy leaves too?

I spy Bluebells Dawn ,its going to look glorious ....

I love woodland plants. We have a bit in the garden that is always lovely in the spring.

I chopped my epimediums back today and there were flower buds just peeping up above the soil. Not long now! I thought I’d done it already, but no!

Yes I do chop the healthy leaves off. It is hard to make myself do it but the new leaves are so very attractive and I missed seeing them last year because they and lots of the flowers were hidden by the big ones.
Could have done it today in the sunshine but I forgot...

Thanks ladies.
Yes Amy :- )

So the epimedium leaves, do I cut them as low down as possible?

Yes..their stems are about 6” long. Just cut them close to the base. But its not a problem if you leave a bit of stem.

Thanks Karen