Epimedium rubrum

Description

Epimedium × rubrum has heart-shaped leaves that are bronze when young, turning to mid-green before darkening to red-brown in autumn. In late spring, pretty little crimson and pale-yellow flowers appear, on wiry stems. These flowers look like tiny hats, which has given rise to the plant’s common name of Bishop’s Hat. This epimedium has a spreading habit, which works beautifully in shady, woodland borders!

Slow-to-spread, Epimedium × rubrum is perhaps best used in a grouping of three or more, set as ground cover plants beneath deciduous trees and shrubs. They bring lightness and airiness to the border. In fact, this plant is so highly regarded by experts, that the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has given it the coveted Award of Garden Merit. It’s a delightful, easy-to-grow hardy perennial plant and, even better, the flowers do not need deadheading.