Planted 3 Barrenwort (Epimedium g. 'Lilafee') this spring. One died and the other two look like this. Posted this picture on the 'Beginner Gardening Questions' forum, and ecrane3 thought it might be too much water, sun or fertilizer - but ecrane doesn't grow barrenworts in CA. They're in a moist, mostly shady (about two hours of afternoon sun at most) spot. Fertilized when first planted with miracle grow.
I have no clue about Barrenwort... but it was a rough summer here for plants pretty much across the board with the drought. Most of my garden looks tattered around the edges, and I lost some plants altogether. I'm not really evaluating anything until I see how it comes back in spring.
Two hours of direct afternoon sun is a lot for a shade plant. Two hours of morning sun wouldn't be but afternoon sun is a lot hotter.
Barrenwort is supposed to be a good plant for dry shade but may have just been getting too much afternoon sun in a year with so little rain. Those dried edges look like a problem with too little water or too much sun or both to me, not too much water.
michael, would have to agree with hart - looks like more of a problem with too much sun. Epimediums are a little tough to get started but once they get themselves established are one of the easiest plants to grow and they spread quickly! I have to say that even in shade, ours look a little "rough" by the end of summer - similar to your photo. If you check the crown of the plant right at the soil surface, you should find plenty of "eyes" that will flush with the new foliage in spring. You might even find that the "dead" plant still has dormant "eyes" that will send out new foliage in the spring. Some people cut the old foliage off in the spring just as the fresh foliage is coming on, but if you decide to leave it, the new foliage will quickly 'disguise' the old ratty foliage. Can't find any pictures of the Epimediums growing in our gardens right now (note to self: need to organize folders of photos over the winter!). Here's one I took at AHS River Farm in Alexandria a couple of years ago - think it was Epimedium 'Frohnleiten'? These are growing in a full shade garden and show the fresh spring foliage.
Debbie
Thank you both! I will move them to a shadier spot in early spring.
Michael,
First of all WELCOME to "our" Forum! You will love it!
I do not know what an Epimedium is, but i DO want to give you my 2 cents worth on newly planted plants and fertilizing them.
I do not think MG is an appropriate fertilizer at the time of planting anything. it is too strong! Later on it may be OK, but when you first plant something, you want the emphasis to be on root growth NOT top growth. Gotta have "legs" before you can "run"--right?
I water in ALL my plants (when planting them) with a Liquid Seaweed solution. You can find that more easily in a farm supply kind of a place. If you cant--then my second choice would be one of those "plant starter" type of fertilizers. These are more geared to quick root growth.
I also use Kelp Meal a lot, which is dried, granular seaweed. Kind of looks like ground black pepper.
OK! I will get off my soap box!
Glad you joined us!
Gita
Thanks for the lesson, your 2 cents is always welcome.
Excellent advice all around. I usually plant, spread compost and then water like the devil. Rarely do I have problems. I also start layer wet newspaper the next day to help conserve the moisture. Cover with mulch and let it work. Little weeding to be done, except for the accursed quake grass........but I'm getting the better of it since someone on here suggested Horticultrist vinegar...........good stuff!
Gitagal knows of what she speaks. The Begonia's are doing really well Gita. Thank you so much.
Ruby
