Barrenworts (Epimedium sp.) are also known as Bishop’s Hat and Fairy Wings. These tough perennial plants are natives of China and Japan. This charming plant has become a favorite of plant collectors and once you add it to your garden, I bet you can’t stop at just one!
They typically grow about a foot tall and have delicate-looking, elongated leaves on wiry, branching stems. The foliage is often evergreen. On the deciduous varieties, the old leaves should be cut back to make way for the new growth in spring. The new leaves often have a red tinge to them as they emerge and can age in autumn to lovely rusty tones.
The small flowers hover over the plants in loose sprays from early-to-mid-spring. The blooms of different cultivars are various shades of white, lilac, pink, mauve, and yellow. In some varieties, either the petals or sepals may be enlarged or have an arching form, which looks like a spur or wing.
They make a great groundcover especially in dry, shade conditions. They also make excellent rock garden plants.
Epimediums need little care. The plants can be divided in either the spring or fall, though fall is best.
They are deer- and rabbit-resistant. Slugs can be a problem, if they are, just spread some diatomaceous earth around the base of the plants.
‘Sulphureum’ is the most commonly available cultivar, but good garden centers will carry other wonderful selections to try including: ‘Amber Queen’, ‘Dark Beauty’ and ‘Pink Elf’ or ‘Pink Champagne’.
Epimedium: You Can Grow That!
The video was produced
by Washington Gardener Magazine.
Audio, Video, and Text by Kathy Jentz
Editing by Hojung Ryu
Filmed at Smithsonian Gardens, Washington, DC
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