Epimedium ‘Harugasumi'

Barrenwort Berberidaceae

A Japanese hybrid with a name that is considerably more poetic than most plant labels. ‘Harugasumi’ (春霞) means “spring haze” or “spring mist”, an apt description of its delicate, pale colouring. It produces airy sprays of very pale pink, delicately spurred flowers in April and May, held above fresh spring foliage.

The cultivar is of Japanese origin, although a definitive breeder or original collection number is not reliably documented. It is now maintained in specialist Japanese Epimedium collections and is recognised in European horticulture as a distinct hybrid. 

Compact and refined rather than rampant, it makes an excellent woodland groundcover. Give it humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil in partial or full shade; like many Epimediums, it becomes surprisingly drought tolerant once established. A plant for those who prefer their spring flowers whispered rather than shouted.

Height: 25–30cm | Spread: 35–50cm
Flowering: April–May | Foliage: Deciduous/semi-evergreen
Hardiness: H6 (-20 to -15°C)