Epimedium platypetalum
broad-petalled barrenwort
A clump-forming rhizomatous perennial 25cm high, with evergreen leaves of three heart-shaped leaflets, each up to 4cm long, which emerge mottled with red and brown in spring, mature to deep green, and are flushed with purple in autumn, and many flowers with very small white sepals and spurless, bell-shaped, lemon-yellow petals, from spring to early summer; Epimedium leaves may be used for their nests by leaf-cutting bees
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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, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Brown Red Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Purple Green | |||
| Winter | Purple Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Berberidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
- China (Sichuan)
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade, with shelter from cold, drying winds, thought it will tolerate drier conditions than some other Epimedium species; where frosts are prolonged or severe, spread an organic mulch such as leaf mould or composted bark to protect plants over winter
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as they are ripe in summer; by division in autumn or after flowering; or by root cuttings of rhizomes, kept under glass in winter, and planted out after all danger of frost has passed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
- Ground cover
- Banks and slopes
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
No pruning required, but cutting back in late winter or early spring, before flower spikes form, will improve appearance
Pests
May be susceptible to vine weevil
Diseases
May be susceptible to mosaic virus diseases and fungal leaf spots
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