Epimedium acuminatum 'Galaxy' (L1962)

Barrenwort Berberidaceae

A celestial little number from the Chinese woodland flora, with handsome evergreen foliage and elegant, creamy-white flowers that dangle from slender stems like miniature chandeliers. The pointed leaflets have finely spiny margins, providing year-round ground-cover interest, while the spring flowers offer a welcome change from the usual purple-and-yellow Epimedium extravaganza. Collected by the indefatigable Roy Lancaster, ‘Galaxy’ (collection L1962) was introduced into cultivation by him and remains a choice selection of this variable Chinese species. Give it humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil in dappled shade, where it will gradually form a handsome clump. Once established, it can tolerate surprisingly dry shade beneath trees. Not quite intergalactic travel, but a rather good way to brighten the darker corners of the garden.

• Hardiness: H5 (-15 to -10°C)
• Height: 30–45cm
• Spread: 45–60cm
• Flowers: April–May