Bishops hat Epimedium × versicolor 'Cupreum'
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as "Cupreum" has a distinctive and attractive appearance. It is characterized by its foliage which is often described as heart-shaped or spade-like leaves. These leaves have a unique coloration where they typically showcase a base color of deep green with an overcast of coppery or reddish hues, particularly during the spring or when the leaves are young. As the season progresses, the reddish tint fades, and the leaves take on a more uniform green shade. During the blooming season, the "Cupreum" comes alive with delicate flowers that dangle from wiry stems, creating a whimsical, airy effect that is quite appealing. The flowers exhibit a soft pastel hue, usually in the range of cream, yellow to pale pink, with a subtle, alluring charm that captures one's attention. The blossoms are small, perhaps a few millimeters across, and are complex in structure with spurs that give them an intricate, almost fairy-like appearance. The overall growth habit of this plant creates a ground-covering mat which lends itself nicely to shaded garden areas where it provides an enchanting tapestry of foliage and flowers. Its appearance is one of subtle beauty rather than flamboyance, inviting onlookers to take a closer look to truly appreciate the delicate features of its leaves and blossoms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Berberidaceae.
Synonyms
Bicolor Epimedium, Bicolor barrenwort, Coppery Epimedium.
Common names
Epimedium × versicolor 'Cupreum'.
ToxicityTo humans
Bishops hat is generally considered safe and non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting any part of this plant, and it does not contain any known toxic compounds that would pose a risk when touched or ingested.
To pets
Bishops hat is also typically considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. It should not cause any serious symptoms of poisoning if ingested by pets. However, as with any plant, ingestion in large quantities may potentially cause mild stomach upset or an allergic reaction in some animals.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
Yellow
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 × versicolor 'Cupreum', commonly known as Bishops Hat, has coppery-red young leaves that mature to a green and bring visual interest to gardens.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Bishops Hat is quite drought-tolerant, making it suitable for gardens with less frequent watering.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant can thrive in part to full shade conditions, where many other plants struggle, thus it’s great for understory plantings and shaded areas.
- Ground Cover: The spreading habit of Bishops Hat makes it an excellent ground cover choice, capable of filling in spaces and suppressing weeds naturally.
- Deer Resistance: Bishops Hat is known to be resistant to browsing by deer, which makes it a practical choice in areas where deer predation is a problem.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, requiring little pruning or special treatment, which makes it a convenient option for busy gardeners.
- Spring Flowers: Bishops Hat produces delicate, airy flowers in spring, adding a subtle but charming floral display to the landscape.
- Winter Interest: The evergreen variety of Bishops Hat retains its leaves throughout the winter, adding greenery and interest to the garden during the colder months.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Epimedium, commonly known as barrenwort, can be used as a dye plant, where different parts of the plant may yield varying shades to fibers.
- Barrenwort leaves can serve as artistic inspiration due to their unique shape and color, often utilized in botanical illustration and plant photography.
- In Japan, barrenwort species are frequently included in shade garden design for their aesthetic foliage and spring flowers.
- Barrenwort can be used as a ground cover in woodland gardens, providing an attractive and low-maintenance layer below taller plants.
- The dry leaves of barrenwort can be used in crafting, for example, to create natural leaf motifs on homemade papers or in pressed leaf art projects.
- Barrenwort is sometimes included in fantasy and fairy garden designs due to its whimsical flower shapes and colors.
- The plant can be used in cut flower arrangements when in bloom, adding a delicate touch to bouquets and floral designs.
- Barrenwort's resilient nature allows it to be used in erosion control, particularly in shaded and semi-shaded areas where other plants might not thrive.
- Some gardeners use barrenwort as a living mulch to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture in ornamental beds.
- During fall, the changing colors of barrenwort's leaves can be appreciated as a seasonal ornamental feature in temperate gardens.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bishops Hat is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bishops Hat is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Enduring Love: Epimedium, also known as "Barrenwort," symbolizes lasting affection because of its ability to thrive in challenging conditions and its heart-shaped leaves.
- Vitality: The vigorous nature of Barrenwort symbolizes health and vitality, suggesting resilience and life force.
- Protection: The plant is also believed to offer protection, particularly in Eastern cultures where it is considered to have medicinal properties.
- Charm and Attraction: With its delicate yet colorful flowers, Barrenwort is linked to allure and magnetism, often associated with enchanting others.
WaterFor the Barrenwort or Bishop's Hat, water it thoroughly once a week, allowing the top inch of the soil to dry out between waterings. In the growing season, ensure it receives around 1 gallon of water per week, while during the winter months, reduce watering to prevent waterlogging as the plant goes dormant. Always water at the base and avoid getting water on the leaves to minimize the risk of fungal diseases.
LightBarrenwort thrives best in partial shade to full shade conditions. The ideal spot for this plant is under the canopy of larger trees or on the north side of a building where it will receive indirect light but be protected from the intense midday sun.
TemperatureBarrenwort is a hardy plant that can tolerate a temperature range from about 5°F to 80°F, but it thrives best when the temperature is between 50°F and 70°F. Avoid locations that experience extreme heat or long periods of freezing temperatures to ensure the plant's health and longevity.
PruningPrune Barrenwort in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove old, damaged, or dead foliage to promote new growth and improve air circulation. Pruning once a year, typically after the last frost, is sufficient for maintaining plant health and appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBishop's hat requires well-draining soil rich in organic matter, with an ideal pH range between 5.5 to 7.5. A mix of loamy garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand in equal parts creates an optimal environment for its roots.
RepottingBishop's hat doesn't need frequent repotting; it should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current pot.
Humidity & MistingBishop's hat thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, but is quite adaptable and can tolerate lower humidity environments without significant adverse effects.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use well-draining soil, bright indirect light, and keep moderately moist.
Outdoor
Plant in part shade, enrich soil with organic matter, protect from harsh sun.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Bishop's Hat (Epimedium × versicolor 'Cupreum') starts its life cycle as a dormant rhizome or seed which breaks dormancy in early spring with rising temperatures. Young shoots emerge from the rhizome, unfurling leaves which are initially coppery or reddish and develop into a lush foliage. The plant produces small, delicate flowers with a unique shape resembling a bishop's mitre, typically in mid to late spring. After flowering, the plant enters a period of vegetative growth with leaves turning green and providing ground cover throughout the summer. During autumn, the foliage often takes on a bronze tinge before dying back in winter, although in mild climates, the leaves may persist as semi-evergreen. The rhizome survives underground during winter dormancy, ready to initiate the next growth cycle the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Epimedium × versicolor 'Cupreum', also known as Barrenwort, is by division. This is typically done in the spring after the danger of frost has passed but can also be done in the fall. To propagate by division, dig up an established clump of Barrenwort and gently separate it into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has at least a couple of growth points or shoots. Replant the divisions immediately, spacing them about 12 to 15 inches (approximately 30 to 38 centimeters) apart to allow enough room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them. This method is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness in creating new plants that are true to the parent stock.
