Epimediums are useful in shade and may be used as a ground cover. They grow in full sun if given a moist soil. The plants spread, as will most ground covers, but are not as invasive as other plants. Cutting the old growth back in spring exposes more of the ornamental new growth. Epimedium tolerates root competition from trees.
Propagation is by division in autumn but is needed only to get new plants.
Epimediums don't usually become overly crowded. This plant is also listed as E. alpinum and has rose colored flowers. The leaves on this 10 inch plant are reddish when young. May. The foliage is sometimes tinged reddish brown. Visuals associated with this text.