Epimedium spp.
barrenworts
Temperate Asia, with outliers in the Mediterranean and Caucasus
Overview
Epimedium spp. is a genus of about 60 to 70 rhizomatous perennials in the family Berberidaceae, native to woodland and rocky habitats across temperate Asia, with a smaller group in the Mediterranean region and the Caucasus. Plants spread by branching rhizomes to form low, weed-suppressing groundcover 8-18 inches (20-45 cm) tall. The compound leaves are divided into heart-shaped to lance-shaped leaflets, often edged with small teeth or spines, and many emerge bronze or red-tinted in spring before turning green, with some taking on red tones again in autumn. Some species hold their leaves through winter while others are deciduous. In spring, wiry stems carry sprays of small four-parted flowers, frequently spurred and shaped like a bishop cap, in yellow, white, pink, red, purple, or bicolored combinations. Epimedium spp. tolerates dry shade and competition from tree roots once established, which makes it useful where many groundcovers fail. Growth is slow to moderate, and clumps take several years to knit together. The flowers are small and can be screened by old foliage if it is not cut back.
Native Range
Temperate Asia, especially China, Japan, and Korea, where most species grow in woodland and on shaded rocky slopes. A smaller number of species are native to the Mediterranean region, the Caucasus, and the Caspian area.Suggested Uses
Epimedium spp. is used as a groundcover and edging plant in shade and woodland gardens, under trees and shrubs, and along shaded paths and slopes. It suits dry-shade plantings where grass and many perennials fail, and several species are grown for their patterned spring and autumn foliage as much as their flowers.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'6"
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Flowers appear in spring, generally April to May, on wiry stems that rise with or just ahead of the new leaves. Individual blooms are small and four-parted, often spurred, in yellow, white, pink, red, or purple. Removing the previous season foliage in late winter exposes the flowers, which are otherwise partly screened by old leaves.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Yellow, white, pink, red, or purpleFoliage Description
Green, often bronze or red-tinted in spring and fallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Epimedium spp. grows in part to full shade in humus-rich, well-drained soil and, once established, tolerates dry shade and root competition beneath trees and shrubs. New plantings need regular moisture through the first seasons to develop their rhizome systems, after which most species are drought tolerant. The genus suits neutral to slightly acidic soil and benefits from an annual mulch of leaf litter. Evergreen types can look tattered by late winter, and shearing the old foliage before spring growth keeps plantings tidy and reveals the flowers. Slugs and vine weevil can damage new growth in some gardens.Pruning
The old leaves of evergreen and semi-evergreen types are sheared off in late winter, before the flower stems extend, which displays the blooms and removes winter-damaged foliage. Deciduous species need no cutting back. Congested clumps are lifted and divided in spring or after flowering to propagate or limit spread.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winterearly spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons