Epimedium x rubrum also goes by the common name "red barrenwort" - I like bishop's hat better. The tiny red flowers with cream centers appear in spring and really do look like little bishop's hats. The foliage is a great feature on its own. It emerges a bronzy color (as you can see in the photo), maturing to green with a thin red margin. In the fall it turns bright red. It's evergreen, but you should cut the old foliage back in early spring - otherwise it will hide the flowers and the new foliage.
Technically this is rated zone 4, so it isn't completely hardy in my region. However, if you have it in the right spot it can do quite well. Mine has persisted for 5 or 6 years now. It's one of my favorite plants. They grow very well in heavy shade and in dry areas. They can even grow in sun, but it's best to give them some moisture in hot areas. This plant is quite common in the marketplace, but seems underused in gardens. It deserves more attention!
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