Barrenwort Epimedium grandiflorum 'Rose Queen'
ABOUT
The 'Rose Queen' is a captivating plant known for its delightful and ornamental features. It is graced with heart-shaped leaves that are initially a bronze color when they emerge, later transitioning to a lush green as they mature. This foliage provides a striking backdrop for its most arresting attribute—the flowers. The blooms are a remarkable shade of rosy lavender and have a unique, delicate appearance that resembles small, fluttering fairies. These blooms are arranged in loose, wispy racemes that dance atop slender, wiry stems above the foliage. As the seasons change, the leaves may take on a reddish hue, adding another layer of visual interest to the plant's appearance. The contrasting blend of the leaf and flower colors creates a romantic, cottage garden aesthetic that can soften and enhance any garden space.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Bishop's Hat, Fairy Wings, Horny Goat Weed, Barrenwort, Longspur Epimedium
Common names
Epimedium macranthum var. violaceum, Epimedium grandiflorum f. flavescens, Epimedium grandiflorum var. thunbergianum, Epimedium grandiflorum 'Rose Queen'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Bishop's Hat is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented symptoms of poisoning from ingesting any part of this plant. However, as with many plants, individual allergic reactions or sensitivities could occur.
To pets
Bishop's Hat is not considered toxic to pets. It is not known to cause any significant symptoms of poisoning in animals such as dogs and cats if they ingest parts of the plant. Nonetheless, it's always prudent to prevent pets from eating plants as a general safety measure.
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- Aesthetic Appeal: Epimedium grandiflorum 'Rose Queen', commonly known as Bishop's Hat, features delicate rose-pink flowers that enhance garden beauty in spring.
- Ground Cover: Its dense foliage spreads to form an effective ground cover, suppressing weed growth.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Bishop's Hat exhibits good drought tolerance, requiring minimal watering.
- Shade Tolerance: It thrives in part shade to full shade, making it suitable for garden spots that receive less sunlight.
- Low Maintenance: Bishop's Hat generally requires minimal care, making it ideal for busy gardeners or those looking for low-maintenance landscaping.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistance: The plant is less palatable to deer and rabbits, reducing the likelihood of damage from browsing animals.
- Seasonal Interest: With its changing foliage colors throughout the seasons, Bishop's Hat provides year-round interest in the garden.
Medical Properties- Libido Enhancement: Epimedium, commonly known as horny goat weed, is traditionally used to enhance sexual desire.
- Erectile Dysfunction: It's believed to aid in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, though scientific evidence is limited.
- Osteoporosis: The plant may have positive effects on bone health and has been considered for use in preventing osteoporosis.
- Menopausal Symptom Relief: It may help alleviate menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and mood swings.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: Epimedium contains icariin, which demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties.
- Immunomodulatory Activity: Some studies suggest that it may modulate immune function, but further research is needed.
- Cardiovascular Health: There is preliminary evidence that it may have benefits for cardiovascular health, including improving blood flow.
- Neuroprotective Effects: It has potential neuroprotective benefits that might be useful in conditions like Alzheimer's disease, although more research is required.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Leaf Texture Art: The leaves of Bishop's Hat can be used to create texture in mixed-media art projects, pressing the leaves to transfer their unique shape onto paper or fabric.
- Dye Source: The leaves and flowers may be boiled to extract natural dyes for coloring fabrics, yarns, or other materials.
- Garden Border Accents: Due to their ornamental foliage, Bishop's Hat can serve as a beautiful edge to garden borders, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of garden landscapes.
- Photography Subject: Because of its striking flowers, Bishop's Hat is an ideal subject for botanical photography, helping enthusiasts practice macro photography techniques.
- Leaf Stamping: Bishop's Hat’s leaves can be coated with paint and pressed against surfaces to create decorative stamped patterns and designs.
- Culinary Garnish: While not commonly consumed, the flowers of Bishop's Hat can be used as a decorative edible garnish in salads for a splash of color.
- Terrarium Planting: The small size and low maintenance of Bishop's Hat make it suitable for inclusion in ornamental terrarium gardens.
- Insect Habitat: Bishop's Hat can provide shelter and foliage for beneficial garden insects, contributing to the overall health of the garden ecosystem.
- Fairy Gardens: Due to their delicate appearance, Bishop's Hat can be incorporated into fairy garden designs to create a whimsical miniature landscape.
- Educational Tool: Bishop's Hat can be used in educational settings to teach children about plant growth and reproduction, as it is easy to grow and observe.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Epimedium, commonly known as "Bishop's Hat" or "Fairy Wings," is not traditionally used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Epimedium, commonly known as "Bishop's Hat" or "Fairy Wings," is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love and Attraction: Often referred to as 'Horny Goat Weed,' Epimedium has a long-standing association with love and sexual desire due to its purported aphrodisiac properties.
- Vitality and Life Force: The plant’s vigorous growth and resilience are often symbolic of vitality and the tenacious life force within an individual.
- Feminine Beauty: The 'Rose Queen' cultivar, with its delicate rose-like flowers, is emblematic of feminine beauty and grace.
- Longevity: In traditional medicine, Epimedium is used for promoting longevity, and as such, it symbolizes a long and healthy life.
WaterBishop's Hat should be watered deeply and allowed to dry slightly between waterings. During the growing season, water approximately once a week with about 1 gallon per watering for an established plant, adjusting for rainfall. Newly planted specimens may require watering twice a week until the root system is well-established. In winter, reduce watering to every two weeks or as needed, depending on soil moisture and climate. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
LightThe best light condition for Bishop's Hat is partial to full shade. It should be placed in a spot that receives dappled sunlight or light shade throughout the day, avoiding direct afternoon sun which can scorch the delicate foliage.
TemperatureBishop's Hat thrives in temperatures that range from 50°F to 75°F and can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 85°F. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 60°F and 70°F.
PruningBishop's Hat benefits from pruning to remove dead or damaged foliage and to shape the plant. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Cut back the old foliage to ground level annually, which encourages fresh, new growth and a tidier appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Rose Queen Barrenwort thrives in moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A blend of garden soil, compost, and perlite or pine bark would create an ideal environment. This plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.
RepottingRose Queen Barrenwort generally requires repotting every 2 to 3 years. It is best to repot in the spring before new growth begins, to give the plant time to establish in its new pot.
Humidity & MistingThe Rose Queen Barrenwort tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but thrives best in moderate humidity. It does not require any special humidity considerations as it is quite adaptable to typical outdoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light; water when topsoil feels dry.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, provide mulch, and avoid soggy soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Epimedium grandiflorum 'Rose Queen', commonly known as the 'Rose Queen' barrenwort, begins with seed germination, typically in spring, whereupon the plant starts as a small seedling. As it matures, it develops a clump of heart-shaped leaves that are often tinged with bronze, unfurling on wiry stems. By late spring to early summer, 'Rose Queen' barrenwort produces its distinctive rose-pink flowers, each sporting a spur, which rise above the foliage on long stalks. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which can be dispersed to produce new plants, though it can also be propagated by division. Throughout the summer, the foliage remains lush, and in autumn, it often takes on attractive fall colors before dying back. Over the winter, the plant lies dormant, with its rhizomatous roots surviving underground until the next growing season begins.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Epimedium grandiflorum 'Rose Queen', commonly known as Barrenwort or Bishop's Hat, is best propagated by division, ideally during the spring or fall. The most popular method involves gently lifting the plant from the ground, taking care not to damage the delicate rhizomes. Once the plant is out, use your hands or a sharp knife to divide the clump into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has at least a couple of growing points. Replant these divisions at the same depth they were originally growing, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow for future growth. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them. This process not only propagates the plants but also rejuvenates older clumps, encouraging more vigorous growth and better flowering.
