welcome to GoY

I have Epimedium pinnatum subsp. colchicum a yellow flowered one that is evergreen but I don't know if it will survive very close to the trunk of the tree. as for fast growing I don't any are but this has become a substantial colony over the last 15 yrs.

Not sure of the names but I have several types of epimedium which seem to enjoy the shade of my garden. I've grown them over tree stumps to good effect. By far the easiest to establish is the yellow flowered one. A great choice as long as it gets some shade.

Thanks for the help. The choice of epimediums is overwhelming, especially for a beginner, so I think I will stick with the yellow flowered ones, as they seem to be the best bet to start with.

where are you? uk or elsewhere? the reason I ask is if you are uk I can send you some of mine.