Epimedium dolichostemon - Barrenwort

Small evergreen undershrubs or deciduous perennials with delicate flowers. These beautiful shade plants can be grown in beds or in a large shaded rockery, preferably along a path to fully enjoy their beauty. They can withstand temperatures as low as -12°C (10.4°F), -13°C (8.6°F) without any protection. Western species are very cold-resistant and can tolerate difficult conditions, such as dense shade under trees, very dry or moist clay soil. Asian species prefer consistently moist to wet soil in summer, well-drained, rich in humus, without limestone, and also tolerate dense shade. All of them grow relatively slowly but can live for many years without specific care.

Vigorous species with superb evergreen foliage, 14 cm (6in) long and 5 cm (2in) wide, arrow-shaped with one side slightly longer than the other, slightly spiny, a very unique light green colour adorned with red-bronze marbling before turning apple green and then dark green at the end of the season. The long arching spikes rising above the foliage bear pendulous flowers that resemble birds in flight when viewed from the side, with long golden stamens hanging beneath them. Pure white spoon-shaped sepals and small tightly curled wine-red petals.