Epimedium pinnatum var. colchicum (Colchian barrenwort) — perennial

Overview

Epimedium pinnatum var. colchicum is a perennial in the genus Epimedium, part of the Berberidaceae family. It typically grows around 0.3 metres tall and 0.3 metres wide. Epimedium pinnatum var. colchicum 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 and woodland garden. It is native to Turkey to Caucasus.

About

Epimedium pinnatum var. colchicum is a low-growing perennial used as a shade-tolerant ground cover, reaching about 0.3 metres tall and wide. Native to Turkey to the Caucasus, it suits sheltered, partially shaded or shaded sites. It prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soils with a neutral to acidic pH. In the UK it flowers from April to June and is appropriate for woodland planting and understorey planting beneath shrubs and trees.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Epimedium pinnatum

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 pinnatum var. colchicum is a compact perennial from Turkey to the Caucasus that forms a modest mound roughly 0.3 metres in height and spread. Its scale and habit make it a practical choice where shade and shelter limit what will grow; plants are well-suited to the lower layer of a border or beneath larger shrubs. Plant into a moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil; neutral to slightly acidic conditions suit it best. Position in partial shade or full shade and avoid exposed sites, as the plant prefers a sheltered aspect. The official UK hardiness rating H5 translates to 'hardy'—it will tolerate normal UK winter conditions when given the right microclimate and soil. Allow roughly 0.3 metres between plants if creating a ground cover drape or underplanting beneath trees and larger shrubs. It flowers in the UK between April and June, providing late-spring presence in woodland-style borders. Given its size and preferences, it is particularly useful for naturalising in shaded beds where a low, even cover is required.

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
Exposure: sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Epimedium pinnatum var. colchicum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Height: 0.3 metres
Spread: 0.3 metres
Suggested uses: groundcover, woodland garden
Native to: Turkey to Caucasus

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Epimedium pinnatum var. colchicum

Cultivation: Prefers humus-rich, well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
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.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Epimedium pinnatum var. colchicum?

Prefers humus-rich, well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Avoid waterlogged conditions.

Where is the best place to plant Epimedium pinnatum var. colchicum?

Epimedium pinnatum var. colchicum prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Epimedium pinnatum var. colchicum need?

Epimedium pinnatum var. colchicum grows best in well-drained and humus-rich soil. It prefers neutral and acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.

How do I prune Epimedium pinnatum var. colchicum?

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

How big does Epimedium pinnatum var. colchicum grow?

Epimedium pinnatum var. colchicum reaches a height of 0.3 metres and a spread of 0.3 metres.

Is Epimedium pinnatum var. colchicum hardy in the UK?

Epimedium pinnatum var. colchicum has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Epimedium pinnatum var. colchicum?

Division in spring or autumn, seed propagation possible but slow.

More in the Epimedium genus

Browse all Epimedium →