Fairy Wings Epimedium 'Pink Elf' (PBR)
ABOUT
Epimedium 'Pink Elf', also known as the Pink Elf fairy wings, is a charming perennial plant appreciated for its decorative foliage and dainty flowers. The leaves are heart-shaped with a lush green hue that often emerges with a reddish tint in the spring. In some climates, the leaves can persist through milder winters, providing year-round interest. The most striking feature of the Pink Elf fairy wings is its delicate flowers. These blossoms have an exquisite form that resembles miniature columbines or little elf caps. The flowers possess a soft pink color with a notable inner segment that is usually a lighter shade, or sometimes white, creating an enchanting contrast that appeals to many garden enthusiasts. During the blooming season, the Pink Elf fairy wings produce long, slender flowering stems that hold the blossoms above the leafy foliage, creating a light and airy appearance. Because of its ornamental qualities and charming flowers, the Pink Elf fairy wings is often utilized in shady garden spots where it provides a pop of color and texture.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Berberidaceae.
Synonyms
Fairy Wings, Pink Elf Bishop's Hat, Horny Goat Weed.
Common names
Epimedium 'Pink Elf' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Bishop's Hat is generally not considered toxic to humans. There is limited information about the plant causing significant harm upon ingestion. Consequently, there are no widespread reports of concerning symptoms or poisoning due to consuming parts of the Bishop's Hat plant.
To pets
Bishop's Hat is not commonly known to be toxic to pets either. It is not listed among the plants that are typically hazardous for animals such as cats and dogs. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion in significant amounts might cause mild stomach upset. It is always wise to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants as a precautionary measure.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot [30 cm]
Spread
1 foot [30 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of 'Pink Elf' Epimedium provide nectar and pollen for bees and other beneficial insects.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it ideal for gardeners who prefer low-maintenance plants.
- Ground Cover: Its dense foliage is great for covering bare spots and suppressing weeds in the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: The plant is relatively drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Tolerates Various Soil Types: Epimedium 'Pink Elf' can thrive in a range of soil conditions, from moderately acidic to alkaline.
- Shade Tolerance: It performs well in partially shaded areas, providing options for landscaping in less sunny locations.
- Decorative Foliage: The leaves of Epimedium 'Pink Elf' can add aesthetic appeal to the garden throughout the growing season.
- Seasonal Interest: Its blooms in Spring add a splash of color, while its foliage provides interest throughout the growing season.
- Habitat Creation: It can contribute to creating habitats for wildlife, offering shelter and food for various creatures.
- Urban Gardening: Due to its compact size, Epimedium 'Pink Elf' is suitable for urban gardens and small spaces.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Creative Art Projects: Hobbyists may use the leaves or pressed flowers of Epimedium in scrapbooking, card making, or other paper crafts for their intricate shapes and delicate appearance.
- Floral Arrangements: The blooms and foliage of Epimedium can be used in fresh or dried floral arrangements to add a touch of whimsy and soft color to the composition.
- Fairy Gardens: Due to its dainty and ethereal nature, Epimedium makes an excellent addition to fairy gardens, contributing to a fantastical miniature landscape.
- Textile Design: Artists might use the unique leaf patterns and delicate flowers of Epimedium as inspiration for textile prints and embroidery designs.
- Photography Prop: Photographers can use Epimedium as a backdrop or an accent in botanically themed photo shoots for its soft pink hues and enchanting appearance.
- Garden Path Border: Epimedium can serve as a charming low-growing border alongside garden paths, where its foliage can be appreciated up close.
- Environmental Education: Epimedium can be used in educational settings to teach about plant propagation, particularly division, which is a common method for propagating this plant.
- Erosion Control: The dense mat-like growth of Epimedium can be beneficial in areas that require ground stabilization and erosion control in shaded environments.
- Seasonal Decor: The leaves of Epimedium, which can change color in the fall, can be incorporated into autumnal wreaths and other seasonal decorations.
- Leaf Casts: Crafters can use the unique shapes of Epimedium leaves to make concrete or plaster casts that capture the intricate veining for use in garden art or home décor.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Epimedium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Epimedium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: Epimedium, commonly known as "Fairy Wings" or "Bishop's Hat," often symbolizes longevity due to its hardy nature and the long life of its foliage.
- Playfulness: With its delicate appearance resembling wings, it can represent a lighthearted, playful spirit, hinting at the mythical fairies and other ethereal creatures.
- Magical Protection: The whimsical nature of "Fairy Wings" carries over into symbolism as offering magical protection, aligning with the folklore of fairies as guardians of nature.
- Youth: The plant's fresh and vibrant flowers can symbolize youthfulness and the rejuvenating energy often associated with young living things.
WaterThe Pink Elf Bishop's Hat should be watered deeply but infrequently to mimic natural conditions. During the growing season, water when the top inch of soil feels dry, roughly once every week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Provide about half a gallon for smaller plants, and up to 2 gallons for larger, established ones during each watering. During fall and winter, reduce watering to when the soil is dry several inches deep, about every 2 to 3 weeks, considering the lower temperature and reduced sunlight.
LightPink Elf Bishop's Hat thrives in partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for a shaded garden spot or beneath canopy trees. Though it can tolerate some morning sunlight, harsh afternoon sun should be avoided to prevent leaf scorch. This plant appreciates a location that simulates the dappled light of its natural woodland habitat, delivering consistent but indirect brightness throughout the day.
TemperaturePink Elf Bishop's Hat does well in a wide range of temperatures, generally between 50°F and 75°F, making it suitable for many temperate climates. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20°F but may sustain foliage damage if exposed to prolonged freezing weather. Ideally, provide conditions that avoid extreme cold or heat for the best growth and plant health.
PruningPruning Pink Elf Bishop's Hat primarily involves removing dead or damaged foliage to maintain its attractive appearance. Prune early in the spring to cut back the previous year's foliage and allow new leaves to fill in. Doing this annually, before the onset of new growth, encourages a fresh flush of leaves and helps to manage the plant's size and shape.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBishop's Hat 'Pink Elf' thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH of around 5.5 to 7.5. A quality soil mix would consist of two parts garden soil, one part compost or well-rotted manure, and one part perlite or coarse sand for drainage.
RepottingBishop's Hat 'Pink Elf' generally requires repotting every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate its growth. It is best repotted in the spring before the new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingBishop's Hat 'Pink Elf' prefers moderate to high humidity levels. Ensuring the surrounding humidity is around 50% or higher will be conducive to its growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light; monitor soil moisture.
Outdoor
Plant in dappled shade, shield from harsh sun.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleEpimedium 'Pink Elf', commonly known as Pink Elf Bishop's Hat, begins its life cycle as a dormant rhizome or seed, which upon optimal spring conditions, germinates and sprouts new shoots. The plant then enters its vegetative growth stage where it develops distinctive heart-shaped leaves and begins to form a clump-like growth habit. As it matures during the spring, Pink Elf Bishop's Hat produces its charming pink flowers that attract pollinators and subsequently may result in the formation of seeds. Following the flowering period, it enters a phase of foliage expansion and solidifies its presence as a ground cover. In autumn, the plant begins to prepare for dormancy; its foliage might change color, offering some late-season interest before it dies back with the onset of winter. During winter dormancy, the plant conserves energy in its rhizomes, ready to restart the cycle when conditions become favorable again in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Epimedium 'Pink Elf', commonly known as Fairy Wings or Bishop's Hat, is typically propagated by division. The best time to divide this plant is in the fall or early spring when the plant is dormant or just beginning to grow. To propagate by division, the clump should be carefully lifted from the ground and using a sharp knife or spade, divided into smaller sections, each with several growth points and adequate roots. These sections can then be replanted in a prepared area, ensuring that the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. Water the newly planted divisions well, and continue to provide moisture until the plants are established.
