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So much conflicting advice! Epimediums in this case
Forgive me if there's already a thread on this....."conflicting advice" threw up 1000 pages and Im not sure anyone could tackle that, I certainly can't. I'm guessing I'm not the only one frustrated and confused by the endless conflicting advice that's around, not only online but on TV, in books and given in person -and thats before I put something in my garden that then defies all the "rules one way or another! In this case Im looking for the most suitable epimediums, preferably evergreen (or at least semi), white and pinks, for my very alkaline soil.
I thought they enjoyed alkaline conditions and indeed the RHS along with others state that most epimediums are found in alkaline conditions with a couple of exceptions. Other sites say neutral or acid to neutral and one or two even state acid only! I try to stick to a few tried and tested "reputable" sites when looking for info but even do I never cease to be amazed by how inconsistent advice can be. Its a minefield for inexperienced gardeners like myself and can get really costly when I buy things that then turn out to hate alkaline soil. I know there's always the exception that proves the rule etc but it would be SO helpful if there was a general consensus of opinion at least among the top dogs of the gardening world. I've even seen the same experts/sites giving differing advice on exactly the same topic. That's without the bane of plant labels never (in my experience) noting suitable soil type (won't go into mislabeled plants here but just got back from "proper' garden centre where in one brief visit I saw 3 seperate instances of totally different plants having identical labels!)
So, aside from venting, can any of you clever people suggest around 3 species of epimediums of the type I mentioned earlier, which are happy in very alkaline soil? As always your time and help are massively appreciated.
I thought they enjoyed alkaline conditions and indeed the RHS along with others state that most epimediums are found in alkaline conditions with a couple of exceptions. Other sites say neutral or acid to neutral and one or two even state acid only! I try to stick to a few tried and tested "reputable" sites when looking for info but even do I never cease to be amazed by how inconsistent advice can be. Its a minefield for inexperienced gardeners like myself and can get really costly when I buy things that then turn out to hate alkaline soil. I know there's always the exception that proves the rule etc but it would be SO helpful if there was a general consensus of opinion at least among the top dogs of the gardening world. I've even seen the same experts/sites giving differing advice on exactly the same topic. That's without the bane of plant labels never (in my experience) noting suitable soil type (won't go into mislabeled plants here but just got back from "proper' garden centre where in one brief visit I saw 3 seperate instances of totally different plants having identical labels!)
So, aside from venting, can any of you clever people suggest around 3 species of epimediums of the type I mentioned earlier, which are happy in very alkaline soil? As always your time and help are massively appreciated.
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The confusion may be because they are not all the same. I've tried others, one called 'Lilafee' I remember, which failed to thrive.
In the sticks near Peterborough
I bought 3 to try here - neutral to acid soil but prone to drought - and the dry was too dry so I've moved the survivor to a new place with less competition and more moisture and it's doing OK but it's only been a month. No idea of the variety sorry. Label long gone.
Merlin was a nice purple/lilac one I did not manage to keep many years ago, ( just call me a plant murderer) my excuse is we have possibly slightly more acidic soil.
It is frustrating when you get conflicting information, there are so many hybrids now too, that might do okay with you.
I don't know if this site/blog might help they are very keen and got national collection status, so this usually makes me happy to take information from?
http://www.themagnolias.co.uk/tag/national-collection/
I find my yellow one under an oak and shrubs survives but will decrease over a couple of years and not do well if I do not not given some water and feeding.
The wetter years or times I remember to give it a little extra care with water and feed is when it does a grand job in the spring.
Also an occasional split and re invigorating old wood underground stems helps.