Epimedium pinnatum subsp. colchicum - Barrenwort

The Epimedium pinnatum ssp. colchicum, commonly known as Fairy Wings or Bishop's Hat, is a perennial herbaceous ground cover plant that is dense and thick, with sulfur yellow to cream yellow flowers that bloom from April to May and dark green foliage. It is a highly decorative plant that is interesting to use in dry shade.

Indigenous to Turkey, northern Iran, and wooded areas of the Caucasus, the Epimedium pinnatum ssp. colchicum is a perennial plant with a dense and thick habit that forms a ground cover, reaching 20 to 40 cm (8 to 16in) in height and 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16in) in spread. Its spring flowering, from March to April, produces small naturally bright sulfur yellow to cream yellow flowers, measuring 15 mm (1in) in diameter, which grow in terminal clusters. Its dark green, persistent leaves are compound, ovate, slightly dentate, and have a smooth texture.

Highly popular in woodland gardens, the Epimedium pinnatum ssp. colchicum can be used as a ground cover, in rock gardens, in containers, and also as an edging plant. It will not go unnoticed in a Zen garden. To create an effective ground cover, plant 7 per square metre.

Evergreen down to -15°C (5°F), plant it in autumn or spring, in a moist but well-drained soil, preferably neutral pH although it can tolerate slightly acidic soil. It thrives in shade or partial shade. Protect it from cold winds in winter. It can withstand drought, allowing for tolerant watering. To enhance the flowers even more, cut back the old foliage at the end of winter before the new flowering season.