Epimedium brevicornu - Barrenwort

Small evergreen undershrubs or deciduous perennials with delicate flowers. These beautiful shade plants can be grown in flower beds, or in a large shaded rockery, preferably along a path to fully enjoy their great beauty. They are hardy without any protection down to -12°C (10.4°F), -13°C (8.6°F). The very cold-resistant western species accept difficult conditions, such as living in dense shade under trees, in very dry soil or even in moist clay soil. The Asian species prefer a soil that remains wet to moist in summer, well-drained, rich in humus, without limestone, and also tolerate dense shade. They all grow relatively slowly, but live for many years without any special care.

Forming a low spreading cushion, the small deciduous heart-shaped, almost round bright green leaves, 7cm (3in) long and 6cm (2in) wide, are initially speckled with plum, then become dark green. Small pure white sepals with tiny golden yellow petals are carried in large airy inflorescences that form a beautiful contrast with the foliage.