Epimedium x youngianum Niveum - Barrenwort

Epimedium x youngianum 'Niveum' is a non-rhizomatous variety, forming pretty little neat clumps from spring to autumn. This deciduous perennial appears in spring, with its beautiful juvenile foliage coloured in bronze and purple, turning green as the days go by, while clusters of pure white flowers rise up, evoking a cloud of tiny columbines.  Forming beautiful cushions with changing colours, it is also one of the easiest dwarf forms to grow. Plant in shaded or semi-shaded areas of the garden, in moist soil.

The Epimedium x youngianum 'Niveum' is a horticultural cultivar descended from a spontaneous hybrid resulting from the cross-breeding of two Japanese species, E. diphyllum and E. grandiflorum. This charming hybrid has a slower growth than other species and varieties, and does not have a rhizomatous root system allowing it to spread laterally. At maturity, this epimedium forms a cushion of about 30 cm (12in) in all directions. Its foliage, semi-evergreen to deciduous depending on the climate, is composed of small ovate, asymmetrical leaves with changing colours. Initially shaded in purple or violet, sometimes tinged with bronze, they become a lovely pale green, which appears bright in shade.  These leaves seem to be suspended in the air, as the brown-purple petioles that carry them are very thin. This variety forms small pure white flowers in April-May, bright as stars, with small spurs, grouped in light clusters above the foliage.

Epimediums are beautiful shade plants, to be grown in groups or in a large shaded rockery, preferably along a path to fully enjoy their true beauty. They all withstand temperatures down to -13°C (8.6°F) without any protection. Western species that are very cold-resistant tolerate difficult conditions, such as living in dense shade under trees, in very dry soil, or in moist clay soil. Asian species like Epimedium youngianum 'Niveum' prefer, like hostas, heucheras, and primroses, a soil that remains moist to wet in summer, well-drained, rich in humus, without limestone, and can also tolerate dense shade. They all grow relatively slowly, but they live for many years in place, without any special care.