Barrenwort Epimedium × youngianum 'Roseum'
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Bishop's Hat 'Roseum' exhibits a charming appearance characterized by a delicate blend of foliage and flowers. The leaves of this perennial are typically heart-shaped with spade-like qualities, and they often emerge in a fresh green color that can mature to exhibit hues of bronze. In the springtime, one can see an enchanting transformation when the leaves turn a redder shade, adding a striking visual contrast in the garden. Most captivating are the flowers, which dangle gracefully above the leaves on wiry stems. They boast an alluring pink color, with the softness of rose petals, inviting onlookers to a display reminiscent of a quaint cottage garden. The flowers themselves have an intricate structure comprising outer sepals that provide support to the inner, spurred petals. These inner petals are the true highlight, with their lighter pink tones and jaunty spurs giving them an appearance of tiny, fanciful fairies taking flight. The Bishop's Hat 'Roseum' doesn't grow very large, which makes it a delightful choice for tucking into small spaces or using as an understory plant in shaded gardens. Its gently mounded form and moderate spreading habit allow it to blend seamlessly with other plants while adding a touch of romantic whimsy. Its dainty size contributes to its charm, making it an ideal plant for intimate garden settings or for collectors who treasure subtle beauty in their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Berberidaceae.
Synonyms
Roseum Bishop's Hat, Roseum Barrenwort, Pink Flowering Bishop's Hat, Pink Flowering Barrenwort.
Common names
Epimedium × youngianum 'Roseum'.
ToxicityTo humans
Bishop's Hat is considered non-toxic to humans, and there are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting this plant. Eating parts of this plant is unlikely to cause any symptoms of toxicity or significant consequences for human health.
To pets
Bishop's Hat is also non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. Ingesting parts of the plant should not result in poisonous effects or significant health consequences for animals.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 feet [30 cm]
Spread
1 feet [30 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Epimedium × youngianum 'Roseum', commonly known as Bishop's Hat, invites beneficial insects like bees and butterflies due to its attractive flowers.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Bishop's Hat is fairly drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering in dry conditions.
- Ground Cover: This plant grows as a dense mat, making it effective for covering bare spots and suppressing weeds in the garden.
- Shade Tolerance: Bishop's Hat thrives in partial to full shade, making it a versatile choice for garden areas with limited sunlight.
- Decorative Leaves: The plant features heart-shaped leaves that offer visual interest even when not in bloom.
- Low Maintenance: Bishop's Hat is known for being low maintenance, requiring little care once established in the right conditions.
- Seasonal Interest: With its charming pink flowers in spring, it provides seasonal color and interest in the garden.
- Erosion Control: Its dense growth habit helps stabilize soil on slopes and prevent erosion.
- Wildlife Shelter: The plant can provide cover and resting spots for small wildlife species within the garden ecosystem.
- Adaptable Growth: Bishop's Hat is adaptable to a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils.
- Non-Invasive: It spreads gradually and is not considered aggressive, making it a good neighbor in mixed plantings.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ground cover: Epimedium 'Roseum', commonly known as Bishop's Hat, can be used as a dense ground cover in shaded garden areas where few other plants can thrive.
- Natural dye: The flowers of the Bishop's Hat may be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics or artworks, offering a soft pink hue.
- Companion planting: Bishop's Hat can be planted alongside other shade-loving perennials, such as hostas and ferns, to create a varied, yet harmonious, woodland garden aesthetic.
- Garden borders: Its low-growing habit and delicate flowers make it an attractive option for creating soft, informal borders along pathways or garden beds.
- Drought-tolerant landscaping: Once established, Bishop's Hat requires minimal watering, making it suitable for use in drought-resistant garden designs.
- Winter garden interest: With its evergreen foliage in mild winter regions, Bishop's Hat adds greenery and texture to the garden even in the off-season.
- Fauna habitat: The dense foliage can provide shelter and breeding grounds for small garden fauna, such as beneficial insects and amphibians.
- Fairy gardens: Due to its miniature and whimsical appearance, Bishop's Hat is an ideal plant for creating enchanting fairy gardens or miniature landscapes.
- Decorative arrangements: The heart-shaped leaves and delicate flowers can be utilized in floral arrangements or as garnishes for plating in upscale culinary presentations.
- Educational tool: Bishop's Hat can be used in educational settings, like school gardens, to teach children about plant growth, reproduction, and shade garden management.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Bishop's Hat is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Bishop's Hat is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: Epimediums, commonly known as bishop's hats, often symbolize endurance because they are hardy perennials that can thrive in challenging conditions.
- Vitality: The vibrant colors of the bishop's hat flowers can represent vitality and the energy of life.
- Adaptive Growth: Bishop's hat plants are adaptable to various environments, symbolizing one's ability to grow and prosper in different settings.
- Protection: The heart-shaped leaves of the bishop’s hat can evoke a sense of protection, as the plant has been used in traditional medicine to promote health and well-being.
WaterBishop's Hat should be watered thoroughly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to encourage a deep root system and to prevent over-watering. In most circumstances, this might translate to watering approximately once a week, but this can vary based on climate and indoor conditions. It's best to use approximately 16 ounces of water for a medium-sized pot, once the soil begins to dry. During the growing season in spring and summer, the plant might require more frequent watering. In contrast, reduce watering during the dormant winter period to prevent root rot.
LightBishop's Hat prefers bright, indirect light, but it is tolerant of lower light conditions, making it a versatile plant for many indoor environments. A north-facing window or a spot that receives dappled sunlight would be ideal for this plant. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the delicate leaves of the Bishop's Hat.
TemperatureBishop's Hat thrives in moderate temperatures and can survive in temperatures as low as 50°F and as high as 80°F. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60°F and 70°F. Extremes of cold or heat may cause damage to the plant, so it is best to avoid placing it near drafts, air conditioners, or radiators.
PruningPruning Bishop's Hat is beneficial to remove any dead or damaged foliage and to promote bushier growth. Prune in early spring before new growth begins, which is the best time to cut back any old or worn-out leaves from the previous year. Regular pruning is not required, but occasional maintenance can keep this plant looking neat and tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBishop's Hat prefers a well-draining, fertile soil mix with added organic matter such as leaf mold or compost. The ideal pH for Bishop's Hat should range between 6.0 and 7.0. A balance of loam, peat, and perlite can provide adequate nutrition and moisture retention suitable for this plant.
RepottingBishop's Hat doesn't require frequent repotting; it can be repotted every 3-4 years or when it becomes root-bound. Spring is the best time to repot this perennial to allow it to establish in the new soil before the growing season.
Humidity & MistingBishop's Hat thrives in moderate humidity levels, typically around 40-50%. It can tolerate some dry air but prefers consistent humidity, making it amenable to most indoor environments without the need for special humidity considerations.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Bishop's Hat in bright, indirect light and ensure moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Grow Bishop's Hat in partial shade with organic, moist soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Epimedium × youngianum 'Roseum', commonly known as Bishop's Hat, begins with seed germination in spring under the right moist and cool conditions. The seedlings develop into young plants with a rosette of heart-shaped leaves and over time establish a strong root system. As the plant matures, it enters a vegetative stage where growth and leaf expansion occur, and over several years, it forms an expanding clump with numerous shoots. During early to mid-spring, it produces delicate, rose-colored flowers on wiry stems that rise above the foliage, attracting pollinators. After pollination, the plant sets seed, which can be dispersed to produce new plants, thereby continuing its life cycle. In the fall, the leaves may turn a reddish-bronze adding seasonal interest before the plant enters a period of dormancy during the winter months.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
Propogation: Epimedium × youngianum 'Roseum', commonly known as Bishop's Hat, is typically propagated in late winter to early spring. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is division, where mature clumps are carefully split into smaller sections, ensuring each new section has a portion of the roots and a few shoots. This is ideally done as the plant emerges from dormancy, but before it starts active growth, to minimize stress on the plant. To perform division, the plant should be lifted from the soil and the roots gently teased apart. Sections can be replanted at the same depth they were originally growing, spaced about 12 inches (approximately 30 cm) apart to allow room for growth. Watering thoroughly after replanting ensures that the divisions establish well in their new locations.
