One in Adelphi, Maryland, one in Wildwood, Florida, one at the US National Arboretum with a grandfatherly interest in many more around the DC area (unless noted, pictures are taken the day of post)
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Epimedium latisepalum (hyperbole below)
Many of us have lusted after the delights promised by Chen Yi. I would be lying if I claimed that I had never indulged, but I must have been there on the wrong nights because I was never offered Epimedium latisepalum. Apparently she has been around for a while and the idea that our paths never crossed is incomprehensible. The form and grace of this plant are unmatched by any plant I have ever seen. And I have spent my life looking.
The leaves are similar to those of other large-leafed Epimediums but somehow different; they're a little bit larger, a good bit thicker, maybe a little darker green, and the form, did I mention it?, is perfect. I have one in a bud vase and I could just sit here and look at it....but then I wouldn't finish writing this. Not only are the individual stems perfect, the plants, with stems spaced and arranged to maximize exposure to light, are three-dimensional sculptures. This plant could be the basis for the entire Eastern aesthetic.
I don't know what the flowers look like and I don't care; it doesn't matter. Research tells me that they are yellow and large but this plant isn't about flowers. It has been some time since I have met a plant I really had to have, but I found it at Lazy S'S Farm Nursery and it will be mine.
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