How to Grow Barrenwort
Epimedium grandiflorum
Epimedium is a tough, elegant ground cover for dry shade, producing dainty spurred flowers in spring above heart-shaped leaves that often flush bronze or copper when young. Cut back all old foliage in late January to reveal the flowers. Once established it suppresses weeds effectively and tolerates root competition from trees. Virtually pest-free and long-lived.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Mulch with leaf mould in autumn. No additional feeding needed — epimediums thrive in poor, dry soil under trees.
Watch For
- Vine weevil larvae eating roots in containers
- Slow to establish in first two years
- Old foliage hiding spring flowers if not cut back
Care Requirements
Light
Partial to full shade
Thrives in dry shade under trees where other plants struggle. Tolerates root competition and deep shade. Avoid full sun which scorches leaves.
Watering
Drought-tolerant once established
Very drought-tolerant once the rhizomes are established, typically after the second year. Water during the first two seasons to help settle in, then leave largely alone.
Fertilizing
Leaf mould mulch in autumn
No additional feeding needed. Mulch with leaf mould in autumn to mimic the woodland floor. Thrives in poor, dry soil under trees without supplemental fertiliser.
Pruning
Cut all old foliage in late January
Shear or cut all old leaves to ground level in late January before flower stems emerge. This is essential as old foliage completely hides the delicate spring flowers.
