Epimedium campanulatum - Barrenwort

Small evergreen undershrubs or deciduous perennials, with delicate flowers. These beautiful shade plants are best grown in borders or large shaded rockeries, preferably along pathways to fully appreciate their beauty. They can tolerate temperatures as low as -12°C (10.4°F), -13°C (8.6°F) without any protection. Western species are highly cold-resistant and can thrive in challenging conditions, such as dense shade under trees, very dry, or damp clay soil. Asian species prefer cool and moist soil in summer, well-drained, humus-rich, and free from limestone, and they also tolerate dense shade. All of them grow relatively slowly, but they can live for many years without any specific care.

Low-growing clumps form a mat of evergreen oval leaves, 6cm (2in) long and 3.5cm (1in) wide, light green turning dark green, with lightly toothed edges. Numerous stems bearing a multitude of small pendulous bell-shaped, light yellow flowers resembling lily-of-the-valley bells. This species is still very rare but is expected to become better known due to its good character.