Bishop’s Hat

(Epimedium sempervirens)

Bishop’s Hat (Epimedium sempervirens)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Epimedium sempervirens, commonly known as Bishop’s Hat, is a semi-evergreen perennial herb native to the forest floors and shaded rocky areas of Japan. It typically grows to a height and width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). This plant features heart-shaped leaves and produces a profusion of delicate flowers in shades of yellow, pink, red, and white during the spring, which are held above the foliage on wiry stems and are quite showy. The foliage often takes on a bronze tint in the fall, adding seasonal interest.

Bishop’s Hat is valued for its ornamental flowers and ground-covering ability, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and underplanting beneath larger shrubs or trees. It is also appreciated for its drought tolerance once established, and its resistance to deer and rabbit browsing. In cultivation, it prefers part shade to full shade, consistent moisture with well-drained soil, and is relatively low maintenance. While it is not typically prone to serious pests or diseases, it can suffer from leaf scorch if exposed to too much sun or overly dry conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-2 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous, Semi-Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Forest floors and shaded rocky areas in Japan

Other Names

Common Names:

Scientific Names: , Epimedium sempervirens, Epimedium grandiflorum subsp. sempervirens, Epimedium hypoleucum, Epimedium macranthum subsp. hypoleucum, Epimedium macranthum var. hypoglaucum, Epimedium macranthum var. hypoleucum, Epimedium sempervirens subsp. hypoleucum, Epimedium sempervirens var. hypoleucum,

GBIF Accepted Name: Epimedium sempervirens Nakai ex Maek.