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Epimediums, often referred to as Bishop's Hat or Barrenwort, are resilient perennials that thrive in gardens.Epimedium, commonly called Bishop's Hat or Barrenwort, is a long-lived perennial that deserves more widespread use. Its low-growing, distinguished foliage and dainty spring blooms make it a wonderful choice for any garden. The flowers, which sometimes bloom before the leaves appear, come in soft shades of white, yellow, rose, and lavender. The foliage forms a neat ground-cover, with heart-shaped leaves on wiry stems that can be green, purple, or even green with a red or purple tinge or veining.
Growing Tips: Epimediums thrive in well-drained, slightly moist garden soil in open shade, though they also appreciate some morning sunlight. They grow well beneath trees but require water when the soil dries out. In spring, prune away the previous year’s foliage if it looks unsightly, allowing the fresh blooms to shine.
Propagation: Epimediums can be propagated through division or by collecting seeds.
Uses: Epimediums are excellent ground covers for slopes, areas beneath trees, and other shaded locations. They are particularly perfect for shaded retaining walls where the flowers can be admired at eye level.
Related Species: Epimedium grandiflorum grows to about a foot tall and produces white flowers with pink-tinged spurs. E. x perralchium Frohnleiten features attractive purplish foliage and is evergreen in southern climates.
Scientific Name: Epimedium species
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