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Genus Epimedium (Barrenwort)

Epimedium Epimedium stellulatum 'Wudang Star' Photo/Illustration: C. Colston Burrell
ep-ih-MEE-dee-um Common Name: Barrenwort
The genus Epimedium is characterized by 4-petaled flowers hanging in clusters in shades of yellow, beige, pink, lavender, purple, red, or white, borne in racemes from spring to early summer. New leaves emerge with bronzy pink edges before turning green in summer. There are evergreen and deciduous species.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Epimedium ranges from the Mediterranean to temperate East Asia, occurring in woodland, scrub, and shady, rocky places. Mainly basal, 2- or 3-ternate, sometimes pinnate leaves with leathery texture. Heart- or lance-shaped leaflets.
 Care: Thrives in full to partial shade with rich, well-drained soil but will grow well (although slower) in dry conditions.
 Propagation: Divide in autumn or after flowering. Root rhizome cuttings under glass in winter; plant out after danger of frost has passed.
 Problems: Vine weevil and mosaic virus.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Epimedium

Epimedium × rubrum Epimedium × rubrum
(Red epimedium, red barrenwort, bishop's hat) (1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Early in the season, the thin, heart-shaped leaves of this plant have a red tinge, which turns to bronze in fall. Plant red epimedium along a path, where its delicate foliage and tiny spring flowers can be admired. -Marty Hair, Regional Picks: Upper Midwest, Fine Gardening issue #127
Epimedium grandiflorum cvs. Epimedium grandiflorum cvs.
(Longspur barrenwort, Bishop's hat) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Longspur barrenwort is a clump-forming, deciduous, rhizomatous perennial. Leaves, light green and flushed bronze when young, are heart-shaped with spiny margins. Four-petaled white, yellow, pink, or purple flowers, hanging in clusters, appear in mid- and late spring.
Epimedium stellulatum 'Wudang Star' Epimedium stellulatum 'Wudang Star'
 (1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

'Wudang Star' is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial with spiny, glossy foliage. New leaves emerge with bronzy pink edges before turning green in summer. Loose spikes of star-shaped white flowers, borne in spring, have prominent yellow stamens.