Overview
Epimedium × warleyense is a clump forming, spreading branched perennial in the genus Epimedium, part of the Berberidaceae family, with deciduous, evergreen foliage. Epimedium × warleyense grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates well-drained and humus-rich soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include groundcover, woodland garden and shaded borders. It is native to United Kingdom.
About
Epimedium × warleyense is a shade-tolerant perennial in the Berberidaceae that forms a low, spreading ground cover. It is valued for its spring flowering display from April to June. The plant favours humus-rich, well-drained soil with a neutral to alkaline pH and performs best in partial shade or full shade. Fully hardy (H7), it suits sheltered north, east or west aspects in UK gardens.
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 × warleyense sits in the genus Epimedium within the family Berberidaceae and is recorded as native to the United Kingdom. As a perennial ground cover it establishes a leafy carpet in shaded parts of the garden and provides spring flowers between April and June. Use its compact habit where a low, spreading understorey is required beneath shrubs or amongst trees. Plant in partial shade or shade on humus-rich, well-drained soil. It prefers a neutral to alkaline pH and a reliably moist soil, so incorporate plenty of organic matter when planting and avoid siting where the soil salts or dries out. Choose a sheltered position on a north, east or west aspect to reduce winter exposure and desiccation; H7 hardiness means it tolerates UK winters without protection in appropriate sites. In practice, Epimedium × warleyense works well as a ground cover for woodland gardens, shaded borders and under deciduous shrubs where early-season flowers lift the shade. Flowers appear above the foliage from April to June, giving a clear spring display in otherwise shaded areas of the garden.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Epimedium
- Sunlight
- partial shade, shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, humus-rich
- Soil pH
- neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- north, east, west
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Epimedium × warleyense size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- groundcover, woodland garden, shaded borders
- Native to
- United Kingdom
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Epimedium × warleyense
- Cultivation
- Prefers humus-rich, well-drained soil in partial to full shade; keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- 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.
- Pest resistance
- Vine weevil
- Disease resistance
- Mosaic virus diseases, Fungal leaf spots
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Epimedium × warleyense?
Prefers humus-rich, well-drained soil in partial to full shade; keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
Where is the best place to plant Epimedium × warleyense?
Epimedium × warleyense prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Epimedium × warleyense need?
Epimedium × warleyense grows best in well-drained and humus-rich soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Epimedium × warleyense?
Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Is Epimedium × warleyense hardy in the UK?
Epimedium × warleyense has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Epimedium × warleyense?
Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation is possible but slow.
More in the Epimedium genus
- Epimedium perralderianumPerraudière's barrenwort
- Epimedium × perralchicumbarrenwort
- Epimedium × versicolorbarrenwort
- Epimedium × versicolor 'Versicolor'Barrenwort
- Epimedium × youngianumYoung's barrenwort
- Epimedium x perr. 'Frohnleiten'Barrenwort