Epimedium rhizomatosum
rhizomatous barrenwort
A clump-forming rhizomatous perennial up to 45cm high, with evergreen leaves of long, heart-shaped, spiny-edged leaflets up to 6cm long, which emerge mottled with deep red in spring and mature to green, and stems up to 30cm long of spidery flowers, 4-6cm across, of white or red sepals and pale yellow petals with long, broad spurs, in spring, and sometimes from early summer to early autumn; Epimedium leaves may be used for their nests by leaf-cutting bees
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 | Red Yellow White | Red Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red Yellow White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Red Yellow White | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing or North–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
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade, with shelter from cold, drying winds; 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 late 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
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
- Ground cover
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 affected by mosaic virus diseases and fungal leaf spots
Get involved
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