Epimedium wushanense (Barrenwort)
Barrenwort, Bishop's Hat, Bishop's Mitre, Fairy Wings
Impressive, Epimedium wushanense (Barrenwort) is an evergreen perennial with a striking foliage of enormous, shiny, long leaves adorned with dramatic spiny edges. They boast a bronze-pink cast when young before maturing to mid-green. In mid to late spring, sprays of tightly clustered, large, pale yellow flowers arch over on tall, green stems (up to 24 in. or 60 cm), well above the huge foliage mound. A remarkable garden plant for the shade garden, capable of producing hundreds of blooms on its branching stems.
- Grows up to 18-24 in. tall (45-60 cm) and 12 in. wide (30 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, 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.
- Native to China
Requirements
| Hardiness |
5 - 9 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall |
| Height |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spread |
2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
| Spacing | 30" (80cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Clay, 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 |
| Garden Uses | Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
Alternative Plants to Consider
Recommended Companion Plants
Chanticleer Gardens
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.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
5 - 9 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall |
| Height |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spread |
2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
| Spacing | 30" (80cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Clay, 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 |
| Garden Uses | Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
