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Vibrant lilac buds open into long-spurred lavender and white flowers.

E. grandiflorum grew more vigorously than E. perralchicum (top) in our trials.

Berberidaceae

Cordate or heart-shaped leaves with spiny-toothed edges grow in low deciduous clumps, some with redish veining on the edges. Floriferous racemes of columbine-like flowers rise above the foliage.

Plant Type: perennial

Plant Form or Habit: cushion mound or small clump

Plant Use: In the front of shady beds and borders or as a groundcover.

Propagation:

division

Flower Color:

violet
lavender

Bloom Period:

early spring
mid-spring
late spring

Width: Minimum: 8 inches     Maximum: 12 inches

Foliage Texture: medium

USDA Hardiness Zone: 5

Water Requirements: average

Additional Comments: A good groundcover, but slow-growing. Prefers well-drained, fertile soil in partial shade, but will tolerate sun as well as dry, shady spots and tree roots. Flowers generally are short-lived, but ours bloomed from mid-April to June under full-sun conditions.