Skip to content
Log inStart trial

Barrenwort

Epimedium Alpinum

Design with this plant

Overview

Epimedium alpinum, commonly known as Barrenwort, is an enchanting ground cover that thrives in partial to full shade. It exhibits heart-shaped leaves and dainty, spider-like flowers in shades of red and yellow during spring. Hardy in zones 5-8, it reaches a height of 8-12 inches and spreads up to 18 inches. Ideal for woodland gardens, this low-maintenance perennial tolerates dry soil once established, offering year-round interest.

Sun Half, ShadeWater Low, MediumZones 4–7Type Ground cover, PerennialClimate Temperate
Barrenwort (Epimedium Alpinum) — <br><br>The flowers of Barrenwort appear from mid to late spring; it typically reaches a height of 12 to 15 inches with a

Culture

Sun
Half, Shade
Water
Low, Medium
USDA zones
4–7

Shape & size

Mature height
18–24 Inches
Mature width
2–3 Ft.

Classification

Type
Ground cover, Perennial
Family
Berberidaceae
Climate
Temperate

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (76)

Barrenwort (Epimedium Alpinum) — It is hardy in Zones 5 to 9, ensuring suitability for a variety of temperate climates
Barrenwort (Epimedium Alpinum) — multi-colored and red and white flowers in the garden; it typically reaches a height of 12 to 15 inches with a similar spread
Barrenwort (Epimedium Alpinum) — It exhibits heart-shaped leaves and dainty, spider-like flowers in shades of red and yellow during spring; adding ecological
Barrenwort (Epimedium Alpinum) — is an enchanting perennial that brings a delicate yet resilient character to any garden landscape; hardy in zones 5-8, it
Barrenwort (Epimedium Alpinum) — offering year-round interest; adding ecological value to the garden.<br><br>Adapted for shaded to part-shaded areas
Barrenwort (Epimedium Alpinum) — This woodland plant is prized for both its ornamental leaves and its distinctive, fairy-wing shaped flowers
Barrenwort (Epimedium Alpinum) — this low-maintenance perennial tolerates dry soil once established
Barrenwort (Epimedium Alpinum) — This woodland plant is prized for both its ornamental leaves and its distinctive, fairy-wing shaped flowers; it typically
Barrenwort (Epimedium Alpinum) — Barrenwort thrives in well-drained
Barrenwort (Epimedium Alpinum) — maturing to a lush green and offering a striking backdrop to its blooms
Barrenwort (Epimedium Alpinum) — exhibiting a captivating combination of crimson sepals with cream-colored petals
Barrenwort (Epimedium Alpinum) — Epimedium alpinum is known for its drought tolerance and resistance to deer; it typically reaches a height of 12 to 15 inches
Barrenwort (Epimedium Alpinum) — It typically reaches a height of 12 to 15 inches with a similar spread; adding ecological value to the garden.<br><br>Adapted
Barrenwort (Epimedium Alpinum) — commonly known as Barrenwort or Bishop's Hat
Barrenwort (Epimedium Alpinum) — offering year-round interest; adding ecological value to the garden.<br><br>Adapted for shaded to part-shaded areas, image 63
Barrenwort (Epimedium Alpinum) — exhibiting a captivating combination of crimson sepals with cream-colored petals; adding ecological value to the
Barrenwort (Epimedium Alpinum) — It exhibits heart-shaped leaves and dainty, spider-like flowers in shades of red and yellow during spring
Epimedium Alpinum
Epimedium Alpinum
Epimedium Alpinum
Epimedium Alpinum
Epimedium Alpinum
Epimedium Alpinum
Epimedium Alpinum
Photographs by 10 contributors

Related plants

Algerita Barberry (Berberis Trifoliolata) — This drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soils

Shrub

Algerita Barberry

Berberis Trifoliolata

FullUSDA 7–10
Amber Queen Barrenwort (Epimedium 'Amber Queen') — Hardy in zones 5-9, it thrives in partial to full shade and well-drained soil

Ground cover

Amber Queen Barrenwort

Epimedium 'Amber Queen'

Deep ShadeUSDA 4–8
Beale's Barberry (Mahonia Japonica 'Bealei') — Its resilience to pests and diseases; its intricate compound leaves

Broadleaf Evergreen

Beale's Barberry

Mahonia Japonica 'Bealei'

HalfUSDA 7–9
Bicolor Barrenwort (Epimedium X Versicolor 'Sulphureum') — It features heart-shaped leaves and dainty, yellow and lavender-tinted flowers in spring

Ground cover

Bicolor Barrenwort

Epimedium X Versicolor 'Sulphureum'

HalfUSDA 5–8
Bishop's Hat (Epimedium 'Niveum') — which appear in abundance from mid to late spring

Ground cover

Bishop's Hat

Epimedium 'Niveum'

HalfUSDA 4–8
Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum Thalictroides) — Blue Cohosh, Caulophyllum thalictroides, is a shade-loving perennial native to woodland areas

Perennial

Blue Cohosh

Caulophyllum Thalictroides

HalfUSDA 3–8