Epimedium ‘Hakubai'

Barrenwort Berberidaceae

A little Japanese beauty with a name borrowed from the plum blossom. ‘Hakubai’ (白梅) means “white plum blossom”, an especially appropriate name for its clean, luminous white flowers. It is a Japanese hybrid, closely resembling Epimedium grandiflorum in stature, with relatively small leaves carried on wiry stems and attractive foliage retained for much of the year. 

In spring, the fresh new growth appears as the flowers rise first, followed by neat sprays of pure white, spurred blooms held above the foliage. The effect is understated rather than flamboyant—more Japanese ink painting than botanical fireworks.

‘Hakubai’ has been in cultivation for some time, but a definitive original breeder or collection number is not reliably documented in the sources available, so it is better not to attach an unverified attribution. It is now widely recognised as a Japanese hybrid, with ‘White Hart’ recorded as a synonym. 

A refined choice for woodland planting, partial shade and humus-rich soil. Compact, elegant and remarkably tolerant once established.

Height: 30–45cm | Spread: 40–50cm
Flowering: April–May | Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Hardiness: H6 (-20 to -15°C)