Epimedium davidii

Barrenwort Berberidaceae

A handsome Chinese species named for Armand David, the French missionary and naturalist whose collections contributed so much to our knowledge of China’s flora. Epimedium davidii is native to western Sichuan and northern Yunnan, where it grows in woodland and scrub. 

Deciduous rather than evergreen, it forms a neat spreading clump, with new foliage emerging attractively bronze and toothed before becoming fresh green. In spring, coral-red stems carry elegant sprays of yellow, long-spurred flowers, their warm colour set off by russet-brown sepals. 

There is considerable horticultural variation within the species. EMR 4125 was collected by Martyn Rix in western Sichuan, producing particularly bright yellow flowers, while CPC 960079 represents a compact, richly flowering dwarf form. 

An excellent woodland plant for humus-rich soil and partial shade, though more tolerant of sun and drier conditions than its delicate appearance suggests. A particularly useful species for collectors wanting something distinctly different from the ubiquitous hybrid Epimediums.

Height: 25–30cm
Spread: 40–45cm
Flowering: April–May
Foliage: Deciduous
Hardiness: H6 (-20 to -15°C)