Epimedium davidii (19/04/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Dappled shade to shade
Flowering period: Spring to early summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 30cm
Eventual Spread: 45cm
Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
Family: Berberidaceae
Epimedium davidii Flower (19/04/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Epimedium davidii an evergreen herbaceous perennial with a clump forming habit. Its shiny mid green leathery leaves are divided into three ovate leaflets with spiny margins, each up to 12cm long and 3cm broad. Its leaves emerge copper in spring. Its yellow flowers are composed of four petals, up to 3cm across, appear on stems above the foliage as a panicle of up to 24 flowers. Its roots are long rhizomes which aids its spread.
Epimedium davidii, commonly known as Barrenwort, Bishop’s Hat or Bishop’s Mitre, is native to south west China. In its native habitat it grows in forest thickets.
Epimedium davidii Leaf (19/04/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
The etymological root of the binomial name Epimedium is derived from the Greek name for this plant, used by Dioscorides and Pliny. Davidii
The landscape architect may find Epimedium davidii useful as an evergreen, low growing, ground cover in shady locations. This plant is not attractive to deer and rabbits.
Ecologically, Epimedium davidii is attractive to pollinating insects.
Epimedium davidii New Leaf (19/04/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Epimedium davidii prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Epimedium davidii requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in autumn. To keep a tidy appearance old foliage may be removed in early spring.
