Spruce up a shady area with a dense carpet of luscious Epimedium (or Barrenwort). The green heart-shaped leaves make a great ground cover which is both attractive and an effective weed suppressant, topped off with the added bonus of sprays of amazingly intricate little flowers in spring. Perfect for an area with rich soil which isn’t too dry, such as a woodland planting scheme or a flower bed in the dappled shade of trees. Over the years this tough and determined perennial will put on a fresh burst of new growth – it’s best in a position where it can spread out and be itself, but also great for tucking into the gaps among other shade-loving plants.