bishop's hat

Longspur epimedium (Epimedium grandiflorum, Berberidaceae) is a clump-forming perennial groundcover from Japan and China, reaching under 1 foot tall with a spread of 1 to 2 feet. Delicate, spurred flowers in pink, rose, violet, purple, or white appear in April to May, held above heart-shaped leaflets on wiry stems.

Longspur epimedium grows in part shade to full shade on moist soil with low to moderate water needs, hardy in Zones 5 to 8. It is resistant to deer and rabbit browse and tolerates drought, heavy shade, and dry shade once established. Maintenance is low. No significant pest or disease issues are documented. The cultivar 'Lilafee' is in the trade; 'Akagi-Zakura' and 'Circe' have received the RHS Award of Garden Merit.