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Herbaceous Perennial

Epimedium × cantabrigiense

Cambridge barrenwort

A carpeting perennial, to 45cm high, with ovate, toothed foliage, red-tinted when young, turning mid-green and finally red in autumn. Flowers are coppery-pink, with yellow inner petals, held on profusions of tall stems in spring

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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, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink Yellow Green Red
Summer Green
Autumn Red
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Berberidaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
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

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial shade; shelter from cold, dry winds. Can tolerate full sun and slightly drier soils

Propagation

Propagate by division in autumn or after flowering

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Rock garden
  • Ground cover
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
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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