Epimedium lishihchenii

Epimediums have been popular in Japan for many years but are now beginning to increase in popularity with UK gardeners. They're generally hardy and enjoy a spot in dappled shade with moist, well-drained soil and regular mulching with garden compost or leaf mould. They fare best in acid soil.

Epimediums make superb all-year-round ground cover under trees or shrubs, but particularly enjoy the dappled shade and leafy soil of woodland gardens, where they associate well with spring bulbs, hellebores, and choice woodland plants. The undemanding plants smother weeds all year round and grow so slowly that they're never a nuisance.

Epimedium lishihchenii is a large species, bearing large, bright yellow flowers and large, evergreen leaves, which take on an orange hue in spring. For the best foliage display, cut back old leaves in spring before new ones appear.