Epimedium “Epemedium grandiflorum”
is also called “bishop’s hat” is one of favorite ground covers. It is one of
those plants which look like maidenhair fern, that looks dainty and delicate
but is really as tough as they come adaptable, easy to grow, and hardy to zone 3. The small spurred flowers are
supposed to resemble a bishop’s miter, but they look to me like miniature
columbines.
They come in various colors
depending on the variety white, pink, red, lavender and yellow, appear in late
spring. Rose Queen is a good red and Nivum has large, showy white flowers. The
heart shaped leaves are pinkish when they first emerge in spring. They overlap
in beautiful soft looking mounds and last even into early winter, after turning
a reddish bronze color.
Moreover, Epimedium grows slowly
when first planted. But it looks like the tortoise that beat the hare it slowly
and steadily established large, vigorous clumps. It will grow well even around
the bases of trees, where it is graceful addition. Epimedium prefers part shade
but will grow in sun if you give it the moist, humusy soil in which it does
best. Soil should be well drained and slightly acid. Since it is shallow
rooted, try not to cultivate around it, but instead apply a light mulch to
control weeds. Divide in spring, preferably while plants are dormant cutting
the tough roots with a knife. Source: Charismatic Planet
