Epimedium ×versicolor, commonly known as Bishop’s Hat, is an evergreen perennial herb that is a hybrid of garden origin, combining the attractive flowers of Epimedium grandiflorum with the toughness of Epimedium pinnatum subsp. colchicum. It has no native range, but has characteristics derived from species that typically grow in forest floors and rocky areas in Asia. Bishop’s Hat reaches a modest height of 0.8-1 feet (0.2-0.3 meters) and spreads 0.8-2 feet (0.2-0.6 meters). It has heart-shaped leaves that provide a lush backdrop to its delicate yellow and pink flowers, which bloom in the spring and are quite showy. The plant is valued for its ground-covering ability and the ornamental quality of its blooms.

Bishop’s Hat is ideal for shaded garden areas, woodland settings, and as an understory plant in temperate climates. It is appreciated for its drought tolerance once established, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners. It thrives in part shade to full shade, requiring low to medium amounts of water and preferring soils with medium drainage. ’Sulphureum’ is a popular cultivar known for its sulfur-yellow flowers. While generally pest-free, it can occasionally suffer from vine weevil damage or leaf spot diseases. It is also resistant to deer and rabbit browsing, which makes it a good choice for gardens with wildlife pressure.CC BY-SA 4.0