A UK National Collection

Epimediums

Epimedium grandiflorum 'Beni Chidori'

'Beni Chidori' is one of several similar coloured E. grandiflorum varieties, which we will be comparing for factors such as vigour and the number of flowers produced, and over how long. Its flower colour if our plant is correct, is similar to E. grandiflorum ‘Circe’ etc. We have not had it long enough to fully appraise as yet, but tt seems to be a medium height cultivar.

 General information on Epimedium grandiflorum

Distribution – Japan (Kyushu, Shikoku, Honshu and Hokiado). Northern Korea and southern Manchuria.

Description – A medium sized fairly deciduous species with widespread distribution through Japan etc. growing in deciduous woodland. It was introduced to Great Britain in the 1830s. With its wide geographical range through the various Japanese islands etc., a good deal of variation has occurred. Flower colour of the plants found in the wild varies widely: yellow, white, pink, lilac and reddish to purple. Add to this the large number of plants attributed to E grandiflorum that have arisen in cultivation and there may be hundreds of cultivars already named.