Overview
Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum' is a spreading branched herbaceous perennial in the genus Epimedium, part of the Berberidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum' grows best in full shade, full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include underplanting of roses and shrubs, flower borders and beds and ground cover.
About
Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum' (barrenwort 'Sulphureum') is a spreading branched herbaceous perennial in the Berberidaceae family. It is a deciduous plant that grows to between 0.1 and 0.5 metres in height and spread, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This cultivar thrives in a variety of light conditions, from full shade to full sun, and prefers sheltered positions with moist but well-drained or well-drained soils, including chalk, loam, and sand with acid to neutral pH. It is of interest in both spring and winter seasons.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Epimedium
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Flower borders and beds, Ground cover
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum'
- Propagation
- Division in autumn or after flowering
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum'?
Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum' prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum' need?
Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How big does Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum' grow?
Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum' reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum' hardy in the UK?
Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum'?
Division in autumn or after flowering.
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
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