Epimedium rhizomatosum - Barrenwort

Small. evergreen, understorey shrubs or deciduous perennials, which owe their name to the lightness of their flowers. These very beautiful shade plants can be cultivated in borders or in a large shady rockery, preferably along a path to fully enjoy their great beauty. They can all withstand temperatures as low as  -13°C (8.6°F) without any protection. The highly cold-resistant western species can tolerate difficult conditions, such as living in dense shade under trees, in very dry soil or in moist clay soil.  The Asian species prefer a soil that remains damp to moist in summer, well-drained, rich in humus, without limestone, and can also tolerate dense shade. They all grow relatively slowly, but can live for many years in one place without any special care.

A pretty clump of heart-shaped evergreen leaves, 8cm (3in) long by 4cm (2in) wide, with undulate and thorny edges, these are initially intense dark red and shiny and then light green. The tall spikes, bearing large clusters of flowers, are among the largest in the genus. The narrow petals have very long arched spurs and are a deep golden yellow. Smaller cream-white sepals.