Bishop’s Hat (Epimedium Perralderianum)

Bishop's Hat

Features and Characteristics

Epimedium perralderianum is native to mountain woodland areas in Algeria. It is a rhizomatous, clump-forming perennial that typically grows 6-10” tall spreading to 16” wide or more. It forms an attractive ground cover for shady areas, being particularly noted for its yellow spring flowers and attractive foliage. Each plant forms a spreading mound of compound leaves on wiry stems, with each leaf containing three serrate leaflets (to 3” long). Leaves are bronze with light green marbling in spring, gradually turning green for the remainder of the growing season. Bright yellow flowers (to 3/4” wide) with short bronze spurs bloom in spring on stems slightly above the foliage.

Genus name is of unclear origin and meaning but the Greeks used epimedion for a very different plant.

Specific epithet honors French naturalist Henri Rene le Tourneux de la Perraudiere (1831-186- .

Epimediums have a number of common names, including barrenwort, bishop’s hat, bishop’s mitre or fairy wings.

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Prefers loose, organically rich loams with even moisture in part shade. Tolerates drought once established. For growing as a ground cover, site starter plants to 12” apart. Plants are evergreen to semi-evergreen. In the St. Louis area, it is best to cut back foliage in early spring.

Bishop’s Hat (Epimedium Perralderianum) Requirements

Hardiness zone	5 - 9
Sun light	Part Shade To Full Shade
Water	Dry To Medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Uses

Small area ground cover or edger for shady areas. Mass in woodland gardens, wild gardens or naturalized areas. Also effective in partially shaded areas of rock gardens and border fronts and foundations. Grows well under trees. Edger for paths and walkways.

Bishop’s Hat (Epimedium Perralderianum) Details

Common name	Bishop's Hat
Botanical name	Epimedium Perralderianum
Plant type	Herbaceous Perennial
Family	Berberidaceae
Hardiness zone	5 - 9
Water	Dry To Medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Yellow
Flowering period	April
Height	0.50 To 1 Ft.
Width	0.75 To 1.50 Feet