Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
Epimedium × rubrum
bishop's hat
Epimedium × rubrum has heart-shaped leaves that are bronze when young, turning to mid-green before darkening to red-brown in autumn. In late spring, pretty little crimson and pale-yellow flowers appear, on wiry stems. These flowers look like tiny hats, which has given rise to the plant’s common name of Bishop's Hat. This epimedium has a spreading habit, which works beautifully in shady, woodland borders!
Slow-to-spread, Epimedium × rubrum is perhaps best used in a grouping of three or more, set as ground cover plants beneath deciduous trees and shrubs. They bring lightness and airiness to the border. In fact, this plant is so highly regarded by experts, that the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has given it the coveted Award of Garden Merit. It’s a delightful, easy-to-grow hardy perennial plant and, even better, the flowers do not need deadheading.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Epimedium × rubrum
- Flower colour
- Pink
- Established height
- 20-30cm
- Established spread
- 20-30cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Upright
Spreading - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 10 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- RHS Award (AGM)
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
-
Free draining
Damp - Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Large containers
Borders
Ground cover
Woodland gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
-
Dappled shade
Partial shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1-2 years
Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.