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Herbaceous Perennial

Epimedium grandiflorum 'Circe'
  • RHS AGM

barrenwort 'Circe'

A deciduous rhizomatous perennial to 30cm high, forming a compact clump of heart-shaped leaves that are deep bronze when young, maturing to green. Produces sprays of deep purplish-pink flowers, with outer sepals tinted white at the tips, on arching stems above the foliage in spring

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink Purple White Bronze Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Berberidaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
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

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How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in partial or dappled shade, with shelter from cold, drying winds. Protect with winter mulch in colder areas. Ideal woodland plant

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe, by division in autumn, or by root cuttings. Cuttings of rhizomes should be rooted under glass in winter and planted out in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

Clip back old stems in late winter before new growth begins

Pests

May be susceptible to vine weevil

Diseases

May be susceptible to mosaic virus diseases

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