Buy Epimedium pinnatum ssp. colchicum 'Thunderbolt'

Also Known As

Epimedium pinnatum var. Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt Fairy Wings

Plant type

perennial, groundcover

size

H: 8"-10"
W: 24"-36"

planting zones

5a-8b

1 gallon bagged root ball | $19

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30 at Gossler Farms

Mature Division--Bare Root | $10

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38 at Sebright Gardens

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Epimedium pinnatum ssp. colchicum 'Thunderbolt' plant details

Epimedium pinnatum ssp. colchicum 'Thunderbolt' is a broadleaf evergreen perennial groundcover with black, green and variegated foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge. Grows well with bright shade - shade and regular water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in clay, rich, rocky and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Epimedium pinnatum ssp. colchicum 'Thunderbolt'

Plant type: perennial groundcover
Plant family: berberidaceae
Foliage: evergreen black, green and variegated
Mature size: 24 IN - 36 IN - wide, 8 IN - 10 IN - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring
Uses: container plant, easy-to-grow, heart-shaped leaves, long-lived, rock garden, spreading, woodland garden, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Epimedium pinnatum ssp. colchicum 'Thunderbolt'

USDA Zones: 5a - 8b
Sun exposure: bright shade - shade
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: clay, rich, rocky and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Has bright yellow flowers in March followed by large leaves with purple blotches. 'Thunderbolt' looks beautiful for its fall foliage alone.

By: Gossler Farms

The cheeriest of the evergreen epimediums, this with 18" clumps of glossy green, streaked purple and bronzy orange in the winter produces early to mid-Spring creamy yellow and white flowers in some abundance. A very good year-round plant for shade or morning sun, somewhat drought tolerant, though regular summer water boosts growth. We cut ours back every couple of years in mid-Winter to renew foliage. USDA Zone 5 or 6.

By: Cistus Nursery

Rounded leaflets turn purple-black with beautiful contrasting green veins.The flowers are without spurs and have attractive bright yellow inner sepals - like small yellow butterflies that are outward-facing. Evergreen. Minimum temperature: -20 °F

By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

A recent selection with evergreen foliage that darkens at the onset of cooler weather to dark purple-charcoal. The veins stay green, giving them the thunderbolt look. As with all E. pinnatum, this one is spreading and very drought tolerant.

By: Edelweiss Perennials

Blooms: spring, yellow/red stems, evergreen, red or with cold, charcoal black winter foliage. Zone 5-8. 10", Soviet Georgia, part shade, humus rich.

By: Keeping it Green Nursery

Leaves turn dark black purple in autumn leaving a contrast of thunderbolt pattern of green viens. Flowers are showy bright yellow inner sepals. Origin: Georgia Republic. Height 10". Zones 5-9. Evergreen.