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Epimedium × rubrum (Red Barrenwort)

Red Barrenwort, Epimedium alpinum 'Rubrum', Bishop's Hat 'Rubrum', Bishop's Mitre 'Rubrum', Fairy Wings 'Rubrum'

AGM Award
Epimedium × rubrum, Red Barrenwort, Epimedium alpinum 'Rubrum', Bishop's Hat 'Rubrum', Bishop's Mitre 'Rubrum', Fairy Wings 'Rubrum'', Shade Plants, Shade Perennials, Red Flowers, Groundcovers, Ground Cover

One of the best Epimediums available, Epimedium × rubrum (Red Barrenwort) is a deciduous, rhizomatous perennial with attractive, heart-shaped, pointed leaves that emerge red-flushed in spring, mature to shiny green and turn red in fall. In mid to late spring, clouds of small, dainty flowers, 1 in. across (2 cm), hover on the ends of wiry stems just above the foliage. Slightly spurred, their large rosy-red sepals cover snowy-white petals and contrast nicely with the creamy-yellow stamens. A tough and durable groundcover or edger for shady garden spots.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 15 in. tall (37 cm) and 24 in. wide (60 cm). Rhizomatous perennial which spreads faster than most other epimediums.
  • Performs best in part shade to full shade in average, 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.
  • No serious pest and disease problems. Watch for vine weevils. Rabbit and deer tolerant.
  • Easy to grow, this plant is a welcomed addition to beds and borders, rock gardens, shade gardens. 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 4 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 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 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Full Shade, Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden
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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 ‘Kaguyahime’ (Barrenwort)

Recommended Companion Plants

Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’ (Solomon’s Seal)
Heuchera ‘Plum Pudding’ (Coral Bells)
Carex elata ‘Aurea’ (Bowles’ Golden Sedge)
Astilbe ‘Fanal’ (Arendsii Hybrid)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

42 Best Perennial Flowers and Plants to Brighten Your Garden Every Season
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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 4 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 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 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Full Shade, Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Epimedium (Barrenwort) to pick?
Compare Now

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