bishop's hat
Epimedium brevicornu
Overview
The bishop's hat (Epimedium brevicornu) is an amazing plant species that stands out for its unique form and beautiful array of colors! The small perennial has a low-growing foliage of heart-shaped, dark green leaves. In springtime, its delicate red and white flowers rise up on short stems, resembling the hats of old-fashioned bishops. While its dainty flowers are really special, the colorful foliage of the plant's evergreen leaves make it even more impressive. Plus, it tolerates partial shade and is easy to care for, making it a great choice for gardens of all sizes.
Care Guide
Watering
Bishop's Hat (Epimedium brevicornu) should be kept lightly moist. Water the plant every 7-10 days during the growing season (spring and summer) and reduce watering frequency when plants are not actively growing (fall and winter). To water, give the plant a good soak until water runs through the drainage holes of the pot. Avoid wetting the foliage when watering. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and root rot.
Light
It is best to plant Bishop's Hat in an area that gets at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day. It can tolerate more sun exposure than shade, but too much direct sun can cause the leaves to scorch or wilt. When growing Bishop's Hat, it's important to avoid overly shady areas that don't receive enough sun, as this can prevent flowers from blooming.
Temperature
Hardiness zone 4–8.
Pruning
Bishop's hat (Epimedium brevicornu) should be pruned twice a year, once in early Spring and again in late Fall. In the Spring use sharp pruning shears to cut away any broken or dead wood that is visible. Cut any branches or stems that are more than 2 years old and cut back any shoots that are too large or straggling. In the late Fall, cut back all the shoots that have grown excessively long and also any dead wood that has become apparent. When pruning, only remove approximately 20-25% of the plant's total shoots. This will help encourage new growth and ensure the bishop's hat remains healthy and vigorous.
Propagation
Division, Layering Propagation, Cutting, Seed Propagation
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