Overview

Epimedium grandiflorum 'Rose Queen' is a clump forming perennial in the genus Epimedium, part of the Berberidaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.4 m tall. Epimedium grandiflorum 'Rose Queen' grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include groundcover and shade garden. It is native to Japan and Korea.

About

Epimedium grandiflorum 'Rose Queen' is a deciduous perennial ground cover that produces a spring display of long-spurred flowers. It forms low clumps to about 0.4 m and is valued for planting in shady corners. Plants prefer partial shade or full shade and tolerate a wide range of soils. Flowering occurs in spring, from April to June.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Epimedium grandiflorum

About the genus

Epimedium, also known as barrenwort, bishop's hat, fairy wings, horny goat weed, or yin yang huo, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Berberidaceae. The majority of the species are endemic to China, with smaller numbers elsewhere in Asia and a few in the Mediterranean region.

Wikipedia contributors, "Epimedium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Epimedium

In the garden

Epimedium grandiflorum 'Rose Queen' originates from Japan and Korea and belongs to the Berberidaceae family. It grows as a deciduous perennial forming low clumps to roughly 0.4 m, with a spring burst of long-spurred flowers. In the UK it flowers from April to June. Place plants in partial shade or shade where they avoid strong afternoon sun; they are well suited to planting beneath trees or along shaded borders. Soil may be sandy, loamy or clay and the plants tolerate acidic, neutral and alkaline pH, provided the soil is well drained or at least moist but not waterlogged. Mulch to conserve moisture in drier sites but avoid heavy, stagnant wetness around the crown. Epimedium grandiflorum 'Rose Queen' is fully hardy in the UK (H7) and corresponds roughly to USDA zones 4–8, so it withstands typical winter frosts. Use it as a low ground cover in shade gardens or to underplant larger shrubs; allow the old foliage to remain until early spring and then cut back to reveal fresh leaves and the April–June flowers.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Epimedium

Sunlight

partial shade, shade

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy, Clay

Soil pH

acidic, neutral, alkaline

Soil moisture

Well-drained, Moist but well-drained

Aspect

North-facing, East-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Epimedium grandiflorum 'Rose Queen' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial

Habit

Clump forming

Foliage

Semi evergreen

Height

0.4 m

Suggested uses

groundcover, shade garden

Native to

Japan, Korea

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Epimedium grandiflorum 'Rose Queen'

Cultivation

Prefers humus-rich, well-drained soil; keep moist but not waterlogged; mulch in winter

Pruning

Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth appears

Propagation

Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but slow

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

More in the Epimedium genus

• 
  Epimedium perralderianumPerraudière's barrenwort
• 
  Epimedium × perralchicumbarrenwort
• 
  Epimedium × versicolorbarrenwort
• 
  Epimedium × versicolor 'Versicolor'Barrenwort
• 
  Epimedium × warleyenseWarley epimedium
• 
  Epimedium × youngianumYoung's barrenwort
• Epimedium x perr. 'Frohnleiten'Barrenwort