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Epimedium ‘Akebono’ (Barrenwort)

Barrenwort 'Akebono', Bishop's Hat 'Akebono', Bishop's Mitre 'Akebono', Fairy Wings 'Akebono', Epimedium 'Dawn'

Epimedium Akebono, Barrenwort 'Akebono', Bishop's Hat 'Akebono', Bishop's Mitre 'Akebono', Fairy Wings 'Akebono', Shade Plants, Shade Perennials, Purple Flowers, Groundcovers, Ground Cover

Robust and long-lived, Epimedium ‘Akebono’ (Barrenwort) is a deciduous, clump-forming perennial with a lovely foliage of heart-shaped, pointed leaves flushed red when they emerge in spring. In mid to late spring, open sprays of abundant, two-tone rose flowers dance on the ends of wiry stems above the foliage. The blossoms are a delicate combination of white and palest pink sepals sitting atop long-spurred petals that are deep rose pink with snow-white tips. Though the flowers may only last for a few weeks, the fantastic foliage will captivate interest all season long. Perfect as a ground cover, for erosion control, in shady rock gardens, as edging, and planted under mature trees.

  • Grows up to 8-15 in. tall (20-37 cm) and 15-18 in. wide (37-45 cm).
  • Performs best in part shade to full shade in average, acidic, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Humus-rich, fertile, moist soils in part shade are preferred. Drought tolerant once established. Protect from cold, dry winds.
  • Virtually pest and disease free. Rabbit and deer tolerant.
  • Easy to grow, this plant is a welcomed addition to beds and borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens, shade gardens or containers. Excellent as a groundcover.
  • Propagate by division in fall or after flowering.
  • Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring for the best display of new foliage and flowers.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 8
Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Berberidaceae
Genus Epimedium
Common names Barrenwort
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 8" - 2'
(20cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 15" - 18"
(40cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Full Shade, Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Epimedium x omeiense ‘Rigoletto’ (Barrenwort)
Epimedium ‘Pretty in Pink’ (Barrenwort)
Epimedium ‘Songbirds’ (Barrenwort)
Epimedium wushanense ‘Sandy Claws’ (Barrenwort)
Epimedium ‘Spine Tingler’ (Barrenwort)
Epimedium wushanense (Barrenwort)

Recommended Companion Plants

Athyrium niponicum var. pictum (Painted Lady Fern)
Hosta ‘Fire Island’ (Plantain Lily)
Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ (Hakone Grass)
Astilbe ‘Rheinland’ (Japonica Hybrid)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

30 Great Perennials for Shade
Epimedium (Barrenwort)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 8
Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Berberidaceae
Genus Epimedium
Common names Barrenwort
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 8" - 2'
(20cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 15" - 18"
(40cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Full Shade, Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Epimedium (Barrenwort) to pick?
Compare Now

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