Epimedium leptorrhizum - Barrenwort

Epimedium leptorrhizum is quite charming and easy to grow in partial shade in any soil that is not too chalky or too dry. This perennial is very hardy and slowly spreads on the ground, forming a beautiful carpet of delicately pink-flowered leaves in springtime. Its coppery juvenile leaves unfold into large glaucous heart-shaped leaves that serve as a backdrop for lovely almost translucent pendulous flowers, among the largest found in Epimediums. Attractive all year round and undemanding, it is an elegant groundcover at the feet of trees and shrubs.

Belonging to the family Berberidaceae, Epimedium leptorrhizum is native to the Chinese provinces of Guizhou and Sichuan, where it grows in woodlands, thickets, and forest edges. This species resembles Epimedium brachyrrhizum, but it is shorter. It is a non-invasive, long and creeping rhizome plant.  It sometimes takes a little time to establish itself, but eventually forms a beautiful evergreen carpet that measures about 20-23 cm (8-9in) in height and 40-50 cm (16-20in) in spread. Flowering takes place in spring, usually in April. Short floral panicles emerge from the carpet of leaves, rising 35 cm (14in) above the ground. Each carries several flowers measuring 4 to 5 cm (2in) in diameter. Each flower, hanging towards the ground, is composed of inner sepals and pale lavender pink petals that are much longer and sometimes slightly violet-tinged spurs. These flowers are perched on slender stems. Its foliage is evergreen in winter. It consists of large leaves divided into three pointed leaflets with a leathery texture, slightly corrugated and quite rough.  These are an elongated heart-shape and finely toothed along the edges. They are initially beautifully coloured in subtle rusty brown, then turn bluish green.

Epimeduim thrives in shady to semi-shady conditions and tolerates root competition from other plants, making it suitable for planting at the base of trees and bushes. As a woodland plant, it tolerates some sunlight and is hardy to at least -15°C (5°F). Epimedium leptorrhizum is a good plant for effectively covering and flowering in difficult areas, but it would be a shame to confine it to a utilitarian ground cover role: accompanied by liverworts, Hellebores, Ferns, Cyclamen, Foxgloves, Euphorbias, and sweet woodruff, it will compose a superb lightly shaded border.