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Herbaceous Perennial

Epimedium pinnatum subsp. colchicum
  • RHS AGM

Colchian barrenwort

A mat-forming rhizomatous perennial with leaves composed of 5 evergreen, oval, leaflets. Bright yellow flowers 15mm in width are carried in sprays well above the foliage

Synonyms
Epimedium pinnatum elegans
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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 Yellow Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Berberidaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
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
Turkey to Caucasus

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
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
  • 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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