Species bishop's hat
purple flowers with green petioles, brown stems and dark green leaves with dark-green veins

bishop's hat

Epimedium sempervirens

Bishop's Hat (Epimedium sempervirens) is an amazing and hardy perennial evergreen known for its delicate beauty. It features stunning red-purple foliage and blooms with clusters of cheery yellow flowers in the spring. Its vibrant, low-maintenance foliage is deer-resistant and will thrive even without supplemental irrigation. Its foliage is essential for providing an attractive ground cover in a variety of soil types. Bishop's Hat is well suited for shady to partial shade gardens, and when it blooms in the spring, the flowers attract pollinators and beneficial insects. This lovely and elegant plant is a treasure trove for any garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division,Layering Propagation,Cutting,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

Part shade,full shade

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Bishop's hat (Epimedium sempervirens) needs to be watered regularly, but should not be over-watered. During the growing period, water during times of drought or when the soil becomes noticeably dry. During the winter dormant period, reduce watering to once per month or less. When watering, give the plant a good soaking such that the water runs through the soil and out the drainage holes. Be sure to avoid over-watering and let the soil dry out between watering. Bishop's hat prefers moist, slightly acidic soil that is well-draining.

sunlight

Bishop's hat (Epimedium sempervirens) thrives best in sunny to partially shaded locations. A spot that receives 4-6 hours of direct sunlight a day is ideal for this plant. Morning sun, with protection from the hot afternoon rays, is preferred. Bishop's hat plants can also tolerate full shade, though the flower display will be reduced.

pruning

Bishop's Hat (Epimedium sempervirens) should be pruned twice per year, preferably in early spring and late summer. Pruning should be done lightly to create a full, mounded shape, while also encouraging new growth. To promote dense growth, prune back the outermost stems to the ground. This will open up the center of the plant, allowing for better air circulation and light penetration. Make sure to remove dead or deteriorating stems and foliage, as well as any ugly, misshapen growth. Pruning should also be done to maintain a desired shape or size. When pruning, ensure that you are leaving at least 2 buds on each branch to ensure vigorous future growth.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Epimedium sempervirens typically starts flowering in late March or early April.

Hardiness Map