About
Epimedium grandiflorum, large-flowered barrenwort, is a deciduous, clump-forming perennial to 30 cm forming a dense mass of compound leaves with 9 or more broadly oval, bronze-tinged leaflets. Long-spurred flowers in purple, pink, white or yellow are produced in open sprays in spring. One of the showiest of all the epimediums for flower size and range of colours.
About the genus
Epimedium, the barrenworts, are rhizomatous perennials with evergreen or deciduous, ternately or pinnately divided leaves, often attractively tinted or marbled, and open sprays of small, spurred flowers in spring. Excellent ground-cover plants for dry shade.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toJapan
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial shade; shelter from cold, dry winds
PruningCut back old foliage in late winter or early spring for the best display of new foliage and flowers
PropagationPropagate by division in autumn or after flowering
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a virus