Barrenwort Epimedium 'Pink Champagne'
ABOUT
Epimedium 'Pink Champagne' is a visually striking plant, known for its beautiful and unique flowering display. The flowers of this Epimedium are a delightful pink color with darker pink centers, resembling champagne bubbles, which give the plant its celebratory name. The blossoms are held atop slender, wiry stems that emerge from the foliage and create a delicate, airy appearance as if floating above the leaves. The foliage of 'Pink Champagne' is equally attractive, showcasing leaves that are heart-shaped and often with a hint of red on the edges when young. As the season progresses, the leaves mature to a rich, deep green, providing a lovely backdrop for the flowering spectacle above. In the fall, the foliage can transform to exhibit touches of red and bronze, adding further seasonal interest to the plant. 'Pink Champagne' has a clumping growth habit, which means its leaves and flowers form a mound-like shape that fills out the space in which it is planted. This quality makes it an excellent choice for garden borders or as a ground cover in shady spots of the garden. The unique and stunning appearance of 'Pink Champagne', with its combination of delicate flowers and attractive foliage, makes it a highly desirable plant for any garden enthusiast looking to add a touch of whimsy and color to their garden palette.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Berberidaceae
Synonyms
Barrenwort, Bishop's Hat, Fairy Wings, Horny Goat Weed
Common names
Epimedium 'Pink Champagne'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as Epimedium or more commonly as "horny goat weed," specifically the variety 'Pink Champagne,' does not have a well-documented toxic profile when it comes to human consumption. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could cause reactions. It is generally not considered poisonous to humans, but without extensive scientific studies, it is advised to avoid ingesting parts of the plant. Consuming plant materials that are not typically used for food can pose risks of gastrointestinal discomfort or other adverse reactions.
To pets
Epimedium, commonly referred to as "horny goat weed," including the 'Pink Champagne' variety, is not widely known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Nevertheless, the ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes cause mild stomach upset in pets. Symptoms might include vomiting or diarrhea if the pet consumes a significant amount of the plant. Always monitor pets around plants and consult with a veterinarian if any usual behavior or symptoms arise after ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: Epimedium 'Pink Champagne' has beautiful, heart-shaped leaves that provide visual interest throughout the growing season.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant is ideal for shaded or partially shaded areas, where many other plants would struggle to thrive.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant, making it suitable for dry gardens or regions with water scarcity.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care, with no need for frequent watering or fertilizing, making it ideal for low-maintenance landscapes.
- Ground Cover: Its spreading habit makes it an excellent ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and cover bare spots in the garden.
- Spring Flowers: In spring, it produces delicate, pink flowers that add a splash of color to the garden after a long winter.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistance: It is resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, which can be a problem for many other garden plants.
- Winter Interest: Some varieties of Epimedium retain their foliage in winter, providing color and texture during the colder months.
- Soil Adaptability: It can adapt to a range of soil conditions, although it prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
- Pest and Disease Resistance: Epimedium 'Pink Champagne' is generally resistant to common pests and diseases, ensuring robust growth with little intervention.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ground cover: Epimedium 'Pink Champagne' can be used as a dense ground cover in shady areas where grass might not grow well, providing a lush, leafy carpet that suppresses weed growth.
- Woodland garden accent: This plant is ideal for creating natural-looking drifts under trees or in woodland gardens, blending with ferns and other shade-loving plants.
- Container gardening: Due to its attractive foliage and flowers, 'Pink Champagne' can be planted in containers to add a pop of color on shaded patios or balconies.
- Edge planting: Its compact growth habit makes it suitable for edging paths or borders in partially shaded garden areas, providing a neat and decorative front line to garden beds.
- Butterfly and bee attractant: The delicate flowers of 'Pink Champagne' are not only visually appealing but also attract pollinators like butterflies and bees to the garden.
- Living mulch: 'Pink Champagne' can be used as a living mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature around taller plants in shady beds.
- Fall color interest: Although known for its spring blooms, 'Pink Champagne' also offers fall interest with its leaves changing color in cooler temperatures.
- Thematic gardening: Create a "champagne" themed garden area with a combination of 'Pink Champagne' with other light-pink flowering plants and foliage that offers a contrast in textures.
- Floral arrangements: The flowers and foliage of 'Pink Champagne' can be used in cut floral arrangements to add a delicate and airy touch to bouquets.
- Garden art backdrop: The plant can provide a beautiful green backdrop for garden sculptures or art, especially during flowering when it sports its pink blooms.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant_name is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant_name is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Sensual Pleasure: Epimedium, commonly known as "Bishop's Hat" or "Fairy Wings," often symbolizes sensual pleasures due to its aphrodisiac properties historically attributed to it.
- Longevity and Good Health: In traditional Chinese medicine, Bishop's Hat is used to promote longevity and improve overall health, making it a symbol of vitality and life.
- Toleration: This plant's ability to grow in tough soil and shade implies a symbolic meaning of toleration and resilience in challenging conditions.
- Protection: Bishop's Hat is often associated with protection as its leaf shape resembles a shield, providing a metaphorical barrier against harm.
WaterFor the Bishop's Hat 'Pink Champagne', consistency is key; aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant thoroughly once or twice a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Depending on the climate and the environment, this equates to giving the plant about 1-2 gallons of water per week, especially during its growing season in spring and summer. During the fall and winter, reduce watering as the plant's growth slows down.
LightBishop's Hat 'Pink Champagne' prospers in shady to partial shade conditions. It is best to place the plant in a spot where it receives dappled sunlight or light shade throughout the day to protect it from harsh direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves. An ideal location would be under the canopy of tall trees or on the north side of a building where it gets filtered light.
TemperatureBishop's Hat 'Pink Champagne' thrives in temperate climates with temperatures ranging from 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure the plant is not exposed to extreme heat or frost, as it prefers a cooler temperature to maintain its foliage and blooms.
PruningPrune Bishop's Hat 'Pink Champagne' in late winter or early spring to remove any damaged or dead foliage and to maintain the plant's shape. This encourages healthy new growth and improves air circulation. It is not necessary to prune often; once a year is typically sufficient. Pruning right before the new growth starts gives the plant a fresh start for the spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPink Champagne Epimedium prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a neutral to slightly acidic pH between 5.5 and 7. A mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite or pine bark ensures proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingPink Champagne Epimedium should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it becomes root-bound. This encourages healthy growth and revitalizes the soil.
Humidity & MistingPink Champagne Epimedium thrives in moderate humidity levels, consistent with its naturally woodland habitat. Maintain humidity around 50% for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with moist soil.
Outdoor
Plant in dappled shade; mulch well.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA.
Life cycleEpimedium 'Pink Champagne', commonly known as Pink Champagne Fairy Wings, begins its life as a seed which germinates in moist, well-drained soil in partial to full shade. After germination, the plant develops a root system and foliage, emerging as a small rosette of heart-shaped leaves. Throughout the spring, it produces flower stems bearing clusters of delicate, pink and white blossoms that attract pollinators. Following the flowering stage, the plant enters a period of vegetative growth where it expands its leaf canopy and strengthens its rhizomatous root system. In autumn, the leaves may change color, adding ornamental interest to the garden as the plant prepares for dormancy. During winter, the above-ground growth may die back, especially in colder climates, while the roots survive underground to regenerate the plant in the following spring, continuing its perennial life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for Epimedium 'Pink Champagne', commonly known as barrenwort or bishop's hat, is through division. This is typically carried out in the fall or early spring when the plant is not in active growth. To divide the plant, you should carefully dig around the clump, trying to keep as many roots intact as possible. Gently separate the plant into smaller sections, each with a portion of the roots and several growing points. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing originally, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the new plants well and maintain consistent moisture as they establish themselves in their new location.
