Epimedium x rubrum

Description

Epimedium x rubrum – barrenwort

Botanical name: Epimedium x rubrum
Common names: Epimedium, barrenwort, bishop’s hat
Family: Berberidaceae
Plant type: Semi-evergreen perennial
Habit: Low, clump-forming, spreading
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 25–30cm tall × 40cm spread
Foliage: Heart-shaped leaves, richly flushed red and bronze when young and again in autumn; semi-evergreen
Flowers: Dainty, spurred flowers in crimson-red with pale yellow spurs, on wiry stems in spring (April–May)
Scent: Not notably scented
Aspect / light: Partial to full shade
Soil: Humus-rich, moist but well-drained; tolerates dry shade once established; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H6 (hardy, to about −20°C); USDA zones 5–8
Exposure: Sheltered
Native range: Garden form; the genus is native to Asia and the Mediterranean
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Epimedium x rubrum is a classic barrenwort with pretty crimson-and-yellow spring flowers and red-tinted young foliage. Superb, reliable groundcover for shade and dry shade under trees.

GardenAdvice notes

One of the most valuable of all groundcover plants for shade, epimedium (barrenwort) is grown for its handsome, heart-shaped leaves, which often flush coppery or bronze when young and colour again in autumn, and its dainty, spurred, orchid-like flowers on wiry stems in spring. Tough and adaptable, it makes excellent weed-suppressing groundcover and, once established, is one of the few plants that thrives in the difficult conditions of dry shade beneath trees and shrubs.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial to full shade. It establishes best in soil enriched with leaf mould and kept moist at first, but once settled it tolerates dry shade well. Ideal under trees and shrubs and in shady borders. Space about 30–40cm apart.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance. The key task is to cut off the old foliage in late winter, just before the flowers appear, so the dainty spring flowers can be seen and fresh new leaves follow. Water while establishing and in prolonged drought. An annual leaf-mould mulch keeps it happy. Divide congested clumps after flowering.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide clumps in spring after flowering, or in autumn.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free, tough and healthy, thriving in shade with few pests or diseases. Vine weevil occasionally occurs. One of the most reliable dry-shade plants.

Uses in the garden

Superb as weed-suppressing groundcover in shady and woodland borders, under trees and shrubs, on shady banks and in dry shade, where its handsome foliage, coppery tints and dainty spring flowers bring interest to difficult spots.

Wildlife value

The spring flowers offer early nectar for bees and other pollinators, and the dense cover provides shelter for insects and small creatures.

Toxicity & safety

Epimedium is generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

Epimedium x rubrum is a lovely, classic barrenwort, its dainty crimson-red flowers with pale yellow spurs set off beautifully by richly red-tinted young foliage in spring, with good autumn colour too. It’s reliable, weed-suppressing groundcover for shade, including dry shade; cut off the old leaves in late winter so the spring flowers and fresh red growth can be enjoyed.

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