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Herbaceous Perennial

Epimedium × rubrum

red barrenwort

A deciduous, rhizomatous perennial to 30cm in height, with attractive, red-tinted young foliage which colours also in autumn. Flowers 2cm in width, crimson, with creamy-yellow spurs

Synonyms
Epimedium alpinum 'Rubrum'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red Yellow Red
Summer Green
Autumn Red
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Berberidaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
Genus

Epimedium are rhizomatous perennials with evergreen or deciduous, ternately or pinnately divided leaves, and open sprays of small, bowl-shaped flowers, often with prominent spurs, in mid to late spring

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial shade; shelter from cold, dry winds

Propagation

Propagate by division in autumn or after flowering

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Rock garden
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring for the best display of new foliage and flowers

Pests

May be susceptible to vine weevil

Diseases

May be affected by a virus

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