Epimedium grandiflorum 'Dark Beauty'

Also Known As

Dark Beauty Fairy Wings

Plant type

perennial, groundcover

size

H: 12"-18"
W: 12"-18"

planting zones

4a-8b

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Epimedium grandiflorum 'Dark Beauty' plant details

Epimedium grandiflorum 'Dark Beauty' is a broadleaf deciduous perennial groundcover with chocolate, green and purple foliage. In spring white flowers emerge. Grows well with mostly sun - mostly shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, rich and rocky soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Epimedium grandiflorum 'Dark Beauty'

Plant type: perennial groundcover
Plant family: berberidaceae
Foliage: deciduous chocolate, green and purple
Mature size: 12 IN - 18 IN - wide, 12 IN - 18 IN - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring
Uses: container plant, easy-to-grow, heart-shaped leaves, long-lived, rare, rock garden, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Epimedium grandiflorum 'Dark Beauty'

USDA Zones: 4a - 8b
Sun exposure: mostly sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: average, clay, rich and rocky

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Gorgeous little barrenwort, selected by Harold Epstein for the chocolate-purple, spring foliage that forms a perfect backdrop for the large, late spring flowers of purple and white. Foliage turns green through the summer. To 8-12" tall and wide in part sun to dappled shade. Drought tolerant once established, but accepts summer water. Frost hardy to -30F, USDA zone 4. Said to be deer resistant!

By: Cistus Nursery

Toothed, heart-shaped leaves start out red and turn a deep, velvety, chocolaty-purple with purple-rose and white flowers held above the leaves in spring; flaring white spurs and pink-tinged petals make this "jester's hat". The leaves will gradually turn green by spring's end; a lot happening with this one! This deciduous species comes from Japan. Minimum temperature: -20 °F

By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

Judge not this plant by the flower only. Although a lovely combo of purple and white, the real and lasting attraction are the dark chocolate leaves. 'Dark Beauty' arose as a chance seedling in the garden of renowned legendary plant collector Harold Epstein of Larchmont NY. It is thought to be a cross between Epimedium 'Yubae' and Epimedium 'Silver Queen', both cultivars of E. grandiflorum, a deciduous species.

By: Deer Country Gardens

Gorgeous chocolate-purple foliage which will turn green by end of spring. The typical large flowers are bi-color purple and white, in excellent contrast to the dark leaves.

By: Edelweiss Perennials

New leaves emerge in spring a beautiful velvety chocolate-purple aging to green in summer. Large, beautiful dark rose inner sepals & white petals w/ spurs flushed rose. 12" tall. Zones 4-9. Deciduous.

By: Sebright Gardens

A lucky chance seedling in the late Harold Epstein's garden which distinguishes itself by sporting new growth of deep chocolate purple. This color seems further intensified by the contrast of the large pink-cupped flowers with flaring spurs of pale pink to white. Deciduous species from Japan.