Epimedium plants
Epimedium are low-growing, groundcover perennials with handsome, veined, heart-shaped foliage and delicate, nodding spring flowers. Commonly known as Barrenwort, they succeed in sun or shade and will even thrive in challenging spots in the shadows of larger shrubs and trees. Their sprays of star-like flowers in shades of yellows, pinks, whites and lilac combine well with hellebores, primroses and spring bulbs, especially on acidic soils. The blooms of some varieties are topped with long spurs, giving the appearance of four-corned hats, hence their other common name of Bishop’s Hat. Flowers are held on slender, upright branches against a mound of spreading, leathery foliage. Native to woodlands of Japan, China and eastern Europe, they are well suited to the cottage garden with a delightful appearance that it neither glamorous nor showy. Epimedium may be evergreen or herbaceous, spreading by underground rhizomes. Lift and divide congested clumps in the autumn and apply a generous mulch of garden compost or leaf mould in early spring. Epimedium can be cut back just as the new flowers start to emerge in spring.