Epimedium × perralchicum (barrenwort) — perennial

Overview

Epimedium × perralchicum is a perennial in the genus Epimedium, part of the Berberidaceae family. Epimedium × perralchicum grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates well-drained and humus-rich soils and neutral and acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include groundcover, woodland garden and shade garden.

About

Epimedium × perralchicum is a perennial in the Berberidaceae valued as a shade-tolerant ground cover that flowers in spring. It grows best in partial shade or shade in well-drained, humus-rich soil that stays moist. The plant suits neutral to acidic soils and carries a UK hardiness rating of H5. Expect blooms between April and June.

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 × perralchicum is a perennial member of the Berberidaceae and part of the Epimedium genus, used principally as a low ground cover in shaded parts of a garden. Its seasonal interest centres on its spring flowering, with blooms reliably produced from April to June. Position the plant in partial shade or full shade where the soil is well drained but retains moisture; incorporate plenty of organic matter when planting to establish a humus-rich root environment. It prefers neutral to acidic soils and will not perform well in persistently dry, exposed positions. In the UK it carries an H5 rating, meaning it is winter-hardy in most garden situations. Use Epimedium × perralchicum to form a carpet beneath shrubs, along shaded paths or in a woodland garden where it can cover the ground between larger plants. It works well where you need a low, living layer under tree canopy or in cool, sheltered corners of a shade border. Expect its flowering season to run from April to June, which is the best period to assess its contribution to a shaded planting scheme.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Epimedium

Sunlight: partial shade, shade
Soil type: well-drained, humus-rich
Soil pH: neutral, acidic
Soil moisture: moist
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Epimedium × perralchicum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: groundcover, woodland garden, shade garden

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Epimedium × perralchicum

Cultivation: Prefers sheltered, shady spots with moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
Pruning: Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Propagation: Division in spring or autumn, seed propagation is possible but slow.