Epimedium warleyense ‘Ellen Willmott’ at Digging Dog Nursery

Epimedium

Barrenwort or Bishop’s Hat

Dense and leafy Epimedium is one of our most successful ground covers for the moist woodland setting. New heart-shaped leaves on wiry stems unfurl in spring with a rosy, marbled coloration that fades to green as summer approaches. In autumn, the marbling returns in coral and copper, enduring mild winters. The unusual small flowers (Bishop’s Hats) are held above the foliage in airy sprays, and resemble miniature Columbines. Reliable and long-lived, Epimediums can adapt to drier conditions once established, spreading slowly and steadily. Both flowers and foliage are prized for small arrangements.

Epimedium x warleyense ‘Ellen Willmott’

Epimedium x warleyense ‘Ellen Willmott’ (P-1835)

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Lauded as one of the most colorful warleyense species, this toasty hued hybrid between Epimedium alpinum and Epimedium pinnatum ssp. colchicum occurred in the Warley Place garden of Britain’s infamous curmudgeon plantswoman, Miss Willmott. A central yellow cup and subtle salmon overtones enrich the burnt reddish orange flowers, which are poised on 15 in. narrow stems. Below the wondrous blooms, a fast-growing mostly-evergreen foundation of ample-sized foliage hosts young plum-imbued leaves maturing to green, then ending the season brindled with bronze and burgundy tones.

Blooms April–May

Size: 15" high x 2' 0" – 2-1/2' wide.

Hardy to zone 5.

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