Bishop's Cap

Growth habit

Herbaceous

Perennation

Long-lived polycarpic perennial

Native distribution

China

Source of plant

Broken Arrow Nursery

Description

Epimedium lishihchenii is a rhizomatous evergreen perennial that typically grows on wiry stems to form a foliage clump rising to 12" tall. It is native to woodland slopes in central to southeastern China (Jiangxi Province). It features large, long-spurred, nodding, spider-type, yellow flowers (1 3/4" across) which bloom in spring (April-May) in few-flowered inflorescences (5-11 flowers per inflorescence) atop flowering stems which rise above the foliage mound to 16" tall. Leathery, glossy, evergreen, ovate to lanceolate leaflets (to 4" long) with spiny marginal teeth, acuminate tips and cordate bases emerge salmon-red in spring (interesting contrast with yellow flowers) before maturing to medium/dark green. Each flower has yellow inner sepals, pale yellow spurs and pale sulphur-yellow petals. Leaves are basal and cauline. Each flowering stem bears two opposite trifoliate leaves. New leaves emerge in spring with a bronze-red cast (contrasts well with flowers), but mature to medium to dark green. Leaves form attractive foliage mounds.

USDA Hardiness Zone

4