Epimedium alpinum
barrenwort
An evergreen, rhizomatous perennial, to 25cm in height. Foliage is glossy and finely-toothed, bronze in spring turning mid-green and finally red tones in autumn. Racemes of pendant flowers appear in spring with dark, purple-red sepals and yellow short-spurred petals
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red Yellow | Bronze | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Red | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Berberidaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- 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
- Plant range
- C & S Europe
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
- Ground cover
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
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
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.