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Red Barrenwort in the GardenTags plant encyclopedia

Epimedium x rubrum

 

Red Barrenwort

Epimedium species are deciduous or evergreen hardy perennials growing from an underground rhizome. The majority have four-parted "spider-like" flowers in spring. European species are often some of the most tolerant of dry shade. Japanese species such as grandiflorum are easy to grow but maybe not for the driest spots. Chinese species are ideal for the north side of a wall or a bed that receives some irrigation in eastern UK, and typical shade garden borders in the western parts of the country, where rainfall is generally higher. Epimedium x rubrum sports attractive, red-tinted young foliage which colours also in autumn. Flowers are crimson, with creamy-yellow spurs.

Contributed by @reedie-cottsge

 
plant Features
  • Red Barrenwort likes partial shade to deep shade

    Partial shade to deep shade

  • Red Barrenwort likes very little water

    Very little water

  • Red Barrenwort is full frost hardy: 5f (-15°c)

    Full Frost Hardy: 5F (-15°C)

  • Red Barrenwort likes moist and free draining

    Moist and free draining

 
plant information

Common name

Red Barrenwort

Latin name

Epimedium x rubrum

type

Herbaceous Perennials

family

Berberidaceae

ph

5.0 - 7.5 Acid - Neutral

  • Light

    Red Barrenwort likes partial shade to deep shade

    Partial shade to deep shade

  • Frost

    Red Barrenwort is full frost hardy: 5f (-15°c)

    Full Frost Hardy: 5F (-15°C)

  • Soil

    Red Barrenwort likes moist and free draining

    Moist and free draining

  • Water

    Red Barrenwort likes very little water

    Very little water

Plant & bloom calendar

  •  
    Best time to plant

full grown dimensions

The size of a fully grown Red Barrenwort is 0.40meters x 0.45meters 0.40 M 0.45 M

Epimedium x rubrum

Epimedium species are deciduous or evergreen hardy perennials growing from an underground rhizome. The majority have four-parted "spider-like" flowers in spring. European species are often some of the most tolerant of dry shade. Japanese species such as grandiflorum are easy to grow but maybe not for the driest spots. Chinese species are ideal for the north side of a wall or a bed that receives some irrigation in eastern UK, and typical shade garden borders in the western parts of the country, where rainfall is generally higher. Epimedium x rubrum sports attractive, red-tinted young foliage which colours also in autumn. Flowers are crimson, with creamy-yellow spurs.


Planting young plants

From Early Spring TO Early Spring

Plant epimedium in spring in the dappled shade of deciduous shrubs or on the north side of a building to mimic their home on the forest floor. Japanese or European species are suited to dry spots and Japanese species should be planted in moist but well drained soils. Do check which species you are planting.

 
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Gardeners who are growing this plant