Epimedium grandiflorum Seeds | Bishop’s Hat
LATIN NAME: Epimedium grandiflorum
COMMON NAME: Bishop’s Hat
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Bishop’s Hat (Epimedium grandiflorum) is a clumping, deciduous perennial. It spreads slowly into a dense, leafy mat, and it stands cold winters and moist, leafy, well-drained soils well. Give it full sun and deep, fertile ground. Its appeal to pollinating insects adds a second, ecological layer to its ornamental one. The ratio of effort to reward here is about as good as gardening gets.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the Epimedium group, Epimedium grandiflorum is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. Bishops hat has a real and distinguished place in the research. Continuing work by breeders and collectors keeps good seed of this species moving through the trade.
Uses & Benefits
Bishop’s Hat works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Ecologically, bishops hat is a generous plant of the garden. Its small, delicate, four-spurred flowers feed bees and many insects of early season, and its fine, low, leafy growth gives a fine, evergreen cover to shaded ground and woodland floor. For a grower, bishops hat is an easy and rewarding plant, and for a gardener of shaded places it brings a four-spurred, heart-leaved, low plant to woodland garden. It establishes readily and then requires nothing out of the ordinary.
Horny goat weed, Yin Yang Huo, is a famous Chinese yang tonic, and its flavonoid icariin is one of the most studied natural compounds for bone density and circulatory effects; the dainty spring flowers make it a shade-garden jewel as well.
Growing from Seed
Starting Bishop’s Hat from seed is simple and satisfying. Sow the seeds evenly over the surface and cover lightly in a loose, well-drained seed compost, keep the sowing evenly moist, and give the pot or tray full sun. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
Bishop’s Hat repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Bishop’s Hat often pair it with these related subjects: