Epimedium Amber Queen

Epimedium is gaining momentum with gardeners due to its unique characteristics and whimsical flowers. It is one of the few plants that can tolerate dry shady conditions and foliage is bright green with hints of rust orange blush near the crown. It is a durable plant, but in spring delicate-looking flowers rise on wispy stalks up to 24" above the plant. The yellow flower of Amber Queen have bright yellow spurs on orange centers giving them a creamsicle look at a distance.

Unlike other epimedium that have a flat spreading habit, Amber Queen will keep an excellent upright shape, giving it versatility and both ground cover and a singular planting. Epimedium is also semi-evergreen and will keep its leaves down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit.

Why Amber Queen?

We get a lot of questions about what to plant in dry shade around the base of oak trees, maples and other large shade trees that make life challenging for the plants beneath. Epimedium is one of the few plants that provide an answer to that question. They take time to get established, but are a solid ground cover once they are. The flowers are whimsical and the plant itself is tough as nails. Amber Queen is a variety with profuse flowers and excellent color produced by the famed plantsman Anthony 'Robin' White.

Photo Credit: Walters Gardens

General care for any tree or shrub is easy, but like any living thing will require your attention. Please educate yourself and follow these simple rules.

Epimedium Amber Queen

Yarrow is a true beginner friendly plant. It is does best in poor to average soil and is drought tolerant once established. All it really needs to thrive is well drained soil and a little neglect. As blooms slow down cut the plant down by half and this will often stimulate new growth and additional flowering.