Epimedium

( ep - ih - MEE - dee - um )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of perennial groundcovers spread via underground creeping stems and have heart-shaped leaves. These plants need partial shade and moderate water to perform well, with new foliage that is bronze pink, matures to green, and turns bronze in fall. Species can be deciduous or evergreen, and in springtime, all produce flowers in various colors (white, pink, red, or creamy yellow). These are great groundcovers for underneath shade trees, or beneath acid-loving shrubs. They are also used in container plantings, and the foliage and flowers are long-lasting in arrangements.

Epimedium Species and Varietals

Epimedium is a genus in the plant family Berberidaceae and includes between 60 and 65 recognized species. The best growing zones for Epimedium are USDA hardiness zones 5-8 or Sunset growing zones 2-9 and 14-17, though this varies somewhat depending on the species. For more information, see the species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Epimedium alpinum (Alpine Barrenwort, Bishop's Hat, Fairy Wings)
This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 1-9 and 14-17 and is native to southern Europe. It is evergreen and tops out at 6-9 inches tall. Flowers are small, with red inner sepals and yellow petals. Fast spreader. This species is considered invasive in parts of Europe (particularly Belgium).

Epimedium x cantabrigiense (Bishop's Hat, Hybrid Barrenwort)
Reaching up to 8-12 inches tall when in bloom, this hybrid species has olive-colored semi-evergreen foliage and produces small bicolored red and yellow flowers. The parents of these hybrid plants are Epimedium alpinum and Epimedium pubigerum. Best in USDA hardiness zones 4-9.

Epimedium grandiflorum (Bishop's Hat, Longspur Epimedium, Barrenwort, Fairy Wings)
This deciduous species is native to China, Korea and Japan and produces large blossoms for the genus. Flowers have red outer sepals and white petals with long spurs. Varieties include 'Rose Queen' (with crimson flowers and white-tipped spurs) and 'White Queen' (with silver-white blooms; pictured). This species of Barrenwort is suited for USDA hardiness zones 5-8.

Epimedium x perralchicum (Hybrid Barrenwort, Bishop's Hat, Fairy Wings, Yellow Fiary Wings, Yellow Epimedium)
This evergreen species is a hybrid between species Epimedium perralderianum and Epimedium pinnatum cochicum. It reaches 16 inches tall and produces yellow flowers. Varieties include 'Frohnleiten' (with yellow flowers) and 'Wisley' (with yellow and bronze flowers). Best in USDA hardiness zones 5-9.

Epimedium perralderianum (Algerian Barrenwort, Bishop's Mitre, Fairy Wings, Barrenwort)
This species is native to North Africa and reaches 1 foot tall and has shiny, evergreen foliage. Flowers are bright yellow. These plants reach up to 6-12 inches tall and just as wide or wider when mature and in bloom, and produce flowers in springtime. Algerian Barrenwort is suited for USDA hardiness zones 5-9.

Epimedium pinnatum (Persian Barrenwort, Bishop's Hat, Fairy Wings, Caucasian Barrenwort)
This species is best in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 or Sunset growing zones A2, 2-9 and 14-17, and is native to northern Iran. It reaches 8-12 inches tall and has nearly evergreen foliage. Sepals are yellow and petals have short red-brown spurs. Varieties include Epimedium pinnatum colchicum (with larger flowers than the species), and 'Black Sea' has foliage that turns purple and black in wintertime.

Epimedium x rubrum (Red Barrenwort)
This hybrid is semi-evergreen and is a cross between Epimedium alpinum and Epimedium grandiflorum produces crimson, white and yellow flower clusters with upward-curving spurs. Varieties include 'Pink Queen' (with rose-pink flowers), 'Snow Queen' (with white flowers), and 'Sweetheart' (with red and white flowers). These plants reach up to 10-12 inches tall and grow well in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.

Epimedium x versicolor (Hybrid Barrenwort, Bishop's Hat, Fairy Wings)
This group of hybrids are popular ornamentals in home gardens, and were bred for both flower color as well as new spring foliage color. Plants typically reach up to 8-15 inches tall and have a 12-18 inch spread. Foliage is heart-shaped. These plants grow well in USDA hardiness zones 5-9. Cultivars are listed and described below.

'Cupreum'
With intense red foliage in spring with copper-pink and yellow flowers.

'Neosuphureum'
Compact cultivar with cream-yellow flowers and tan-tinted new leaves.

'Strawberry Blush'
With pink and yellow bicolored flowers. Foliage emerges pinkish.

'Sulphureum'
Most popular varietal, with yellow flowers. Red to purple-veined foliage.

Epimedium x warleyense (Barrenwort, Bishop's Hat, Fairy Wings)
This evergreen hybrid species reaches 1.5 feet tall and produces light green foliage and small, copper-orange-red flowers. The main cultivar of the species 'Orangekonigin' (also called 'Orange Queen') has pale orange flowers. These plants are suited for USDA hardiness zones 4-8 (9 with protection).

Epimedium x youngianum (Bishop's Hat, Fairy Wings, Snowy Barrenwort, White Epimedium, Young's Barrenwort)
This hybrid variety is deciduous, and reaches 8-12 inches high. These plants grow well in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 (sometimes up to 9). Popular cultivars of this hybrid group are listed and described below:

'Akebono'
Flowers are rose-pink to lavender. Leaves emerge reddish.

'Baby Doll Pink'
A cultivar with dark pink buds that open to soft, pale pink flowers.

'Fukurasuzume'
Larger, vigorous grower with magenta-streaked white blooms.

'Merlin'
With small, wine-purple foliage that ages to green. Lavender flowers.

'Niveum'
Compact to 6-8 inches tall with pure white flowers and bronzey new leaves.

'Purple Heart'
Deep purple-tinged new foliage. Purple flowers.

'Roseum'
Compact, pale pink flowers. Light-red tinged new leaves.

'Royal Flush'
Semi-evergreen, with purple-bronze new leaves and light lavender flowers.

Caring for epimedium

Plant Epimedium in a space in the garden that has adequate room for a spreading groundcover plant. Bugloss spreads via underground creeping woody rhizome roots and also reseeds freely. Plant in full shade to partial shade; ideally, they should be receiving indirect light, filtered light, or sun for about 4 hours each day. Provide protection from the sun's rays during the warmest hours of the day (typically in the late afternoon). Too much sun can cause leaves to get sunburned. Ensure that soil is well-draining and moderately fertile before planting. If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with organic compost before installing. Epimedium plants prefer a soil pH of between 6.0 and 7.0. In cooler months, watering can be greatly lessened; overwatering in the wintertime is one of the main causes of root rot issues with these groundcovers. After planting, mulch around the base of the plant with organic mulching material to help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth. Keep mulch away from the plant stems, as this can encourage an environment for root rot issues to take hold.

Epimediums are not heavy feeders, but to boost foliage and bloom during the active growing months, a dressing of organic compost can be applied each year in springtime. Prune off spent flower spikes as they fade, and remove any dead, damaged, or diseased foliage. Severely damaged plants can be completely cut back for rejuvenation; this will trigger a flush of new growth to emerge. Every two to three years, Epimedium plants can be lifted and divided (especially if they are grown in a cramped space or container). This is best done in early spring or fall. For more information on dividing these plants, see the Propagation section below.

Propagation

Certain species are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Epimedium plants are best propagated via division. These plants will also re-seed freely in the landscape, providing seedlings that can be dug up and transplanted elsewhere. To propagate your Barrenwort by division of existing plants, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Epimedium by Division
To propagate via division, you will need a clean shovel, clean pruning saw (optional), extra pots if you are not going to immediately plant your divisions in the ground, and well-draining soil to fill the pots. To propagate your Barrenwort by division, follow the instructions below:

In early fall or early springtime, identify the area of plants you're going to divide. Start by loosening the soil around the plant with your shovel, working your way inward to avoid causing damage to the bulbs. Once you've gotten your clump out of the ground, run water over it or simply shake it to remove excess dirt. Then, lay it out on its side.
Separate the clump into multiple pieces, each with a healthy root system and adequate above-ground growth.
Prepare the planting area, whether it is a container or bed in the garden, and then plant the divisions. Afterwards, resume regular care.