Epimedium × versicolor 'Discolor'

RHS Plant Profile
barrenwort 'Discolor'

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Synonyms

Epimedium × versicolor 'Versicolor'
Epimedium discolor

Herbaceous Perennial
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A deciduous to semi-evergreen low-growing, clump-forming herbaceous perennial with heart shaped leaves, red in spring then turning green. Displays small trumpet like yellow flowers with pink-rose coloured sepals.

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral or Acid or Alkaline

Position

Full shade Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Berberidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen, Deciduous
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a moist but free draining soil in shade or partial shade. Plants benefit from soils improved with well rotted leaf mould or compost.

Propagation

Propagate by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Pruning

No pruning required but any faded older foliage can be cut back in early spring before fresh foliage emerges.

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free