About
Epimedium pinnatum, Persian barrenwort, is a slow-spreading, evergreen, rhizomatous perennial with leathery, spiny-edged, compound leaves on fine, wiry stems. Vertical wands of bright-yellow flowers are produced in late spring and early summer. A reliable and ornamental evergreen ground-cover for a dry, shaded border.
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 typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Rock garden
Native toIran
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