Bishop's Hat Epimedium 'Beni-kujaku'
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Bishop's Hat' features a distinct appearance characterized by its attractive foliage and enchanting flowers. The leaves are notably heart-shaped with a delicate, wiry framework, often displaying a mottled pattern of colors ranging from green to shades of bronze, red, and purple. These leaves show a remarkable seasonal transformation, with colors intensifying during the fall months. The blooms of Bishop's Hat are equally fascinating, presenting an alluring four-petaled shape that reminisces of small fairytale-like “spiders” due to the long spurs extending from each petal. These flowers exhibit a rich, enticing color palette, which includes a combination of pink, lavender, yellow, and white, casting a vibrant dance of hues in the garden during their blooming season in spring. Adding to its ornamental value, the slight nodding stance of the blooms creates an air of elegance and whimsy. The flowers cluster loosely above the foliage, creating a soft and airy effect. The contrast between the intricate flowers and the more solid leaf structure below lends itself to a textured visual presence in the garden. Bishop's Hat's delicate appearance belies its toughness, as it serves not only as an eye-catching plant but also as a hardy groundcover, spreading gently across the garden floor and creating a carpet of color that changes with the seasons.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Berberidaceae.
Synonyms
Bishop's Hat, Fairy Wings, Horny Goat Weed, Red-flowered Barrenwort, Epimedium.
Common names
Epimedium 'Beni-kujaku'
ToxicityTo humans
Epimedium, commonly known as barrenwort, is not typically known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting Epimedium, and it is often used in traditional herbal medicine without reports of severe adverse effects. However, consuming any plant material in large quantities could potentially cause mild stomach upset due to individual sensitivities.
To pets
Barrenwort is also not commonly known to be toxic to pets. It is generally considered safe for dogs and cats, with no significant reports of toxicity. As with humans, overconsumption may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or irritation due to individual sensitivities in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: Epimedium 'Beni-kujaku', commonly known as Bishop's Hat, displays heart-shaped leaves that provide visual interest with their texture and color variation.
- Ground Cover: The plant can serve as an effective ground cover, filling in spaces and suppressing weeds with its spreading habit.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Bishop's Hat is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for gardens with low water availability.
- Shade Tolerance: It thrives in partial to full shade, offering a beautiful solution for underplanting or brightening up shaded areas.
- Low Maintenance: This perennial requires minimal care, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance landscaping options.
- Seasonal Interest: In addition to its alluring foliage, Bishop's Hat produces delicate flowers in the spring that add seasonal appeal to garden spaces.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is generally resistant to deer, which helps to protect both the plant and nearby vegetation from grazing.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract pollinators such as bees, aiding in the pollination of other plants in the garden.
- Cold Hardy: Epimedium 'Beni-kujaku' is tolerant of cold weather and can survive in lower temperatures, making it suitable for a variety of climatic zones.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Barrenwort can be used to create a groundcover to deter weeds due to its spreading habit, where its dense growth can prevent sunlight from reaching unwanted plants.
- Due to its drought resistance, Barrenwort can be utilized in xeriscaping, which is a landscaping style that requires minimal irrigation.
- With its attractive foliage, Barrenwort can be used for underplanting beneath deciduous trees, adding interest to the garden during times when the trees are bare.
- Its resistance to deer browsing makes Barrenwort a recommended choice for gardeners who face challenges from deer eating their plants.
- Barrenwort can be included in fairy gardens where its delicate flowers and foliage can create a whimsical, magical landscape miniature.
- Some gardeners use Barrenwort as an edging plant along paths or borders due to its neat growth pattern and seasonal color changes.
- In theme gardens, such as Asian or woodland gardens, Barrenwort can contribute to the aesthetic with its native appearance and compatibility with other plants in these styles.
- Photographers and painters might be inspired by the striking beauty of Barrenwort's blossoms for artistic projects, capturing its unique flowers in various mediums.
- Because of its comparative rarity and beautiful blooms, Barrenwort can be utilized for garden competitions and horticultural shows as a specimen plant.
- Gardeners with sloped land may use Barrenwort for erosion control, as its roots help to stabilize the soil on slopes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bishop's Hat is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bishop's Hat is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Passion and Desire: Often referred to as "Horny Goat Weed," the Epimedium plant symbolizes strong sexual desire, referencing the aphrodisiac qualities that it is traditionally believed to possess.
- Resilience and Adaptability: Epimedium is known for its ability to thrive in challenging conditions where other plants might struggle. This symbolizes the qualities of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
- Longevity and Vitality: Given its use in traditional medicine to promote wellness and longevity, Epimedium represents long life and sustained energy.
- Protection: In some cultures, plants like the Epimedium are thought to have protective qualities, and are therefore symbolic of safeguarding one's health and wellbeing.
WaterBishop's hat should be watered thoroughly once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During the growing season in spring and summer, it may require more frequent watering, especially if the weather is particularly hot or dry. Apply approximately one gallon of water for outdoor plants or enough to ensure the top inch of soil is moist for potted specimens. During the fall and winter, reduce watering to every other week or when the soil feels dry to the touch, as the plant goes dormant and needs less moisture.
LightBishop's hat thrives best in partial shade to full shade conditions. It should be planted or placed in a spot where it can receive filtered sunlight or only morning sun to avoid the harsh afternoon rays. This plant is ideal for shaded areas under trees or on the north side of a building where direct sunlight is limited.
TemperatureBishop's hat prefers temperatures between 50°F and 75°F for optimal growth. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to 5°F and maximum temperatures up to 80°F. However, it's crucial to protect the plant from extreme temperature fluctuations and harsh winter conditions, as these can be detrimental to the plant's health.
PruningPrune Bishop's hat to remove any damaged or dead foliage, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. This encourages fresh growth and maintains the plant's shape. Pruning can also be done after flowering if you wish to control the size or shape of the plant. It generally does not require frequent pruning, so once a year should suffice.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Baroness Epimedium, commonly known as 'Beni-kujaku', is a well-draining, humus-rich medium with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.5. Incorporate organic material like compost or leaf mold to improve soil structure and fertility.
RepottingBaroness Epimediums do not require frequent repotting; they can be repotted every 3 to 4 years, or when they become root-bound or the soil is exhausted.
Humidity & MistingBaroness Epimedium prefers moderate to high humidity levels; though they are tolerant, maintaining humidity around 50% is ideal for their growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Place in partial shade, shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Epimedium 'Beni-kujaku', commonly known as 'Red Peacock' barrenwort, begins with germination of its seeds in moist, well-drained soil in early spring. Once germinated, the seedling grows into a juvenile plant with small, heart-shaped leaves and a developing root system. Over time, the plant matures into a clump-forming perennial, with distinctive red and green mottled leaves, reaching up to 12 inches in height and width. In late spring to early summer, 'Red Peacock' barrenwort produces its characteristic flowers, which are small, red, and shaped like a spur, held above the foliage on wiry stems. The plant then enters a phase of vegetative growth where foliage continues to develop and expand through the summer and into fall. Finally, as temperatures drop in late autumn, the plant becomes dormant, with foliage dying back to the ground, to re-emerge and repeat the cycle in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
The Epimedium 'Beni-kujaku', commonly known as the Red Crowned Crane Epimedium, is typically propagated by division. This is the most popular method because it is straightforward and effective for increasing your stock of plants. The best time to propagate by division is in late summer to early fall, after the flowering season ends and when the plant is not actively growing. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant, making sure to get as much of the root system as possible. Then, gently pull apart the clumps into smaller sections, each with its own roots and shoots. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were growing before, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) apart, to allow enough room for growth. Water the new divisions well and keep the soil moist until new growth appears, signifying successful establishment.
