One of my favorite perennials for dry shade is bishop’s hat (Epimedium species), also known as barrenwort or fairy wings. There are over fifty-eight different species of Epimedium that are native to Asia and the Mediterranean. It thrives in USDA planting zones 5 to 8.
Yellow bishop’s hat (Epimedium versicolor ‘Sulphureum’) is also commonly known as barrenwort or fairy wings and blooms in the spring.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
The common name, bishop’s hat, is derived from the 4 petaled flowers as they look similar to the square cap called a birretta that some clergy members wear. Depending on the species or cultivar, the bishop’s hat blooms from April to May and has flower colors ranging from white, yellow, red, purple, pink, or two-toned. The 1- to 2-inch floral racemes (multiple flowers arranged on stalks) are held above the heart-shaped foliage.
Rose Queen bishop’s hat (Epimedium grandiflorum ‘Rose Queen’) has large, bright pink flowers.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Red barrenwort (Epimedium x rubrum) has red and white flowers with short spurs.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Pink Champagne bishop’s hat (Epimedium x ‘Pink Champagne’) has raspberry pink flowers with long, white spurs.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
The compound leaves have 3 or more leaflets and may have spiny margins. In South Carolina, the foliage will remain evergreen throughout the year. The foliage will look ragged by the end of the winter, so cut back the old foliage in late winter before the new leaves emerge in the spring. Bishop’s hat can be from 8 to 12 inches tall with a width of 1 to 1 ½ feet and can form nice, spreading clumps.
Bishop hat has compound leaves with 3 or more leaflets and may have spiny margins.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
When establishing new plants, grow them in organically rich soil with consistent moisture in part to full shade. If planted in hot sun, the foliage will burn. After the plants become established, they will be more drought tolerant as the rhizomes (underground stems that produce both the shoots and root systems of a plant) have the capability to retain water. Over time, the plant will spread and form a larger colony.
After the plants become established, they will be more drought tolerant as the rhizomes have the capability to retain water.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Bishop’s hat is a wonderful addition to a shade garden. Once established, it will tolerate drought and competition from tree roots. It can be used as a ground cover in woodland and rock gardens and interplanted with ferns, hostas, leopard plants, Lenten roses, Nippon lilies, Solomon’s seal, and other shade-loving perennials. Best of all, it’s deer and rabbit resistant.
Yellow bishop’s hat (Epimedium x versicolor ‘Sulphureum’) is a wonderful addition to a shade garden. It creates an interesting texture contrast when planted with variegated Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum odoratum var. pluriflorum ‘Variegatum’).
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
