Barrenwort, Bishop’s-Hat
The Bishop’s-Hat or epimediums are easy to grow, hardy, and too seldom used. They spread with creeping roots to make a uniform, 9-inch ground cover. The plant is semi-evergreen; most of the leathery, heart-shaped leaves die back in winter but a few last into January. In early spring, the new leaves are pale green with some rose color. During midseason they are a deep, glossy green and in fall they turn reddish. Tiny 1/2-inch or- chidlike flowers (shaped like a bishop’s hat) appear in May. Many colors are available and they last well when cut. Epimediums are very hardy, tolerating temperatures to — 401.
They are long-lived and easy to grow. Light shade is usually best, but they will tolerate full sun if the soil (preferably acidic) is rich and moist. They will tolerate deep shade if drainage is good, although flower production will suffer. The creeping roots are close to the surface, so don’t cultivate around them. Planted 10 inches apart, they will fill in without overcrowding. To propagate, divide the clumps in early spring. Cut off old leaves so that small flowers and new leaves will be visible.
Epimediums thrive in the light shade of other acid-soil plants such as the taller rhododendrons, camellias, and ferns. Their roots compete well with others, so epimediums are ideal for planting under trees and shrubs.
E. granditlorum is the most commonly cultivated form. It grows to about a foot. ‘Rose Queen’ has the bright, rose-colored flowers with white-tipped spurs. The hybrid E versicolor `Sulphureum’ has yellow flowers. E. youngianum’Niveum’grows compactly and has white flowers.
