Epimedium grandiflorum subsp. koreanum La Rocaille - Barrenwort

These small undershrubs with evergreen or deciduous perennial foliage are named for the lightness of their flowers. These beautiful shade plants can be grown in beds or in a large shaded rockery, preferably along a path to fully enjoy their beauty. They can withstand temperatures as low as -12°C (10.4°F) or -13°C (8.6°F) without any protection. Western species are very cold-resistant and can tolerate difficult conditions such as living in dense shade under trees, in very dry soil, or moist clay soil. Asian species prefer moist soil in summer, well-drained, rich in humus, without limestone, and also tolerate dense shade. They all grow relatively slowly but can live for many years in one place without any special care.

This is the largest one. It forms a robust clump that can reach up to 1 metre (3 feet) high when flowering. The deciduous triangular, 10 cm (4in) long and 5 cm (2in) wide leaves are beige to pale green when they first appear, then dark green and coppery in autumn before disappearing for the winter. This selection, obtained in the U.S., produces masses of exceptionally large cream-coloured flowers.