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Epimedium ‘Songbirds’ (Barrenwort)

Barrenwort 'Songbirds', Bishop's Hat 'Songbirds', Bishop's Mitre 'Songbirds', Fairy Wings 'Songbirds'

Epimedium Songbirds, Barrenwort 'Songbirds', Bishop's Hat 'Songbirds', Bishop's Mitre 'Songbirds', Fairy Wings 'Songbirds', Shade Plants, Shade Perennials, Yellow Flowers, Dry Shade Flowers, Groundcovers, Ground Cover
Epimedium Songbirds, Barrenwort 'Songbirds', Bishop's Hat 'Songbirds', Bishop's Mitre 'Songbirds', Fairy Wings 'Songbirds', Shade Plants, Shade Perennials, Yellow Flowers, Dry Shade Flowers, Groundcovers, Ground Cover

Incredibly floriferous, Epimedium ‘Songbirds’ (Barrenwort) is an evergreen perennial with attractive deep green lance-shaped leaves lightly speckled with faint purple spots. In mid to late spring, open sprays of golden yellow flowers, with small rose sepals, hover on the ends of wiry stems, well above the foliage. Though the flowers may only last for a few weeks, the lovely foliage will captivate interest all season long. Prized for its easy-care, durability and critter resistance, this dappled-shade loving plant is capable of surviving in dry shade. Perfect for erosion control, in shady rock gardens or planted under mature trees, this beautiful evergreen epimedium will slowly spread by creeping rhizomes to form an attractive ground cover.

  • Grows up to 16-18 in. tall (40-45 cm) and 26-30 in. wide (65-75 cm).
  • Performs best in part shade to full shade in average, neutral to 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.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Rabbit and deer resistant.
  • Easy to grow, this plant is a welcomed addition to beds and borders, underplanting shrubs and roses, cottage gardens or woodland gardens. Excellent as a ground cover.
  • 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
Heat Zones 2 - 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 (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 30"
(60cm - 80cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
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 Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Epimedium x omeiense ‘Rigoletto’ (Barrenwort)
Epimedium ‘Pretty in Pink’ (Barrenwort)
Epimedium ‘Spine Tingler’ (Barrenwort)
Epimedium wushanense ‘Sandy Claws’ (Barrenwort)
Epimedium ‘Kaguyahime’ (Barrenwort)
Epimedium ‘Akebono’ (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
Heat Zones 2 - 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 (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 30"
(60cm - 80cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
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 Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Epimedium (Barrenwort) to pick?
Compare Now

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