Epimedium pubigerum
barrenwort
Southeastern Europe and northern Turkey
Overview
Epimedium pubigerum is an evergreen to semi-evergreen perennial forming a slowly spreading clump of wiry stems 12-20 inches (30-50 cm) tall, clothed in heart-shaped leaflets. Each leaflet is 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long, leathery, with a finely toothed edge and a downy underside, mid-green in summer and tinted bronze in cold weather. In mid- to late spring, airy sprays of small flowers rise above the foliage, each bloom about 0.4 inch (1 cm) across, white to pale cream sometimes flushed pink, with short spurs. The clump expands gradually by short rhizomes to form weed-suppressing groundcover. Plants reach full spread over three to four years. Epimedium pubigerum grows in part to full shade on moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil and tolerates dry shade beneath trees once established. The small flowers are easily hidden by old foliage if the leaves are not cut back before bloom. Growth is slow, and the spring flowers are modest at close range. Dry soil in deep shade thins the clump and browns the leaf edges.
Native Range
Epimedium pubigerum is native to southeastern Europe and northern Turkey, where it grows in woodland and shaded scrub on humus-rich soils.Suggested Uses
Planted as groundcover in shaded borders, woodland gardens, and under shrubs and trees, spaced 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart. Used to cover dry shade where many perennials struggle. The evergreen foliage gives year-round cover between deciduous plants.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'8"
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Bloom Information
Small white to cream flowers, sometimes flushed pink, open in mid- to late spring, April into May, on airy stems above the foliage. Bloom lasts three to four weeks. Cutting away the previous year's leaves in late winter reveals the flowers as they emerge.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to creamFoliage Description
mid-green with bronze winter tintsGrowing 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
Grow in part to full shade on moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil; established plants tolerate dry shade under trees. Cut back the old foliage in late winter before the flower stems rise, so the blooms are not hidden. Water through dry spells in the first two seasons until the clump establishes. Mulch annually with leaf mold to conserve moisture and feed the shallow rhizomes. Dry soil in deep shade browns the leaf margins and slows spread. Congested clumps are divided in early autumn or after flowering to propagate.Pruning
Cut all old leaves to the ground in late winter before the new flower stems emerge, which both tidies the clump and shows the flowers. No other pruning is needed through the season. Spent flower stems can be left to set seed or removed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons