Epimedium grandiflorum plant named ‘Purple Pixie’

Abstract

A new variety of Epimedium grandiflorum is provided that is well suited for growing as a distinctive ground cover. The new variety flowers in May and forms attractive deep purple blossoms with white spurs that commonly are borne above the foliage. The young foliage is violet-colored and the mature foliage is olive green with maroon margins. During observations to date the new variety has been found to be more amenable to expeditious asexual propagation by division than other commonly grown varieties of the species. The available choices in ornamental ground covers are expanded.

I claim:  
     
       1. A new and distinct variety of  Epimedium grandiflorum  plant that exhibits the following combination of characteristics: 
       (a) forms attractive deep purple flowers with white spurs that commonly are borne above the foliage,  
       (b) forms violet-colored young foliage and olive green mature foliage with maroon margins, and  
       (c) is particularly well suited for growing as a distinctive ornamental ground cover;  
       substantially as illustrated and described.