Barrenwort

Epimedium pinnatum | Also known as: Bishop's hat, Fairy wings | Rating: 0 votes | Print / Pdf

Epimedium pinnatum is a creeping evergreen plant that grows in a clump and produces sprays of bright yellow cup-shaped flowers. The flower stalks don't have any leaves on. They reach up tall above the foliage. The leaves are made up of about five leaflets, there are a few spines around the edges. They're heart shaped with a pointed tip. The stems are thin but sturdy, brown in colour. This species is native to Western Asia where it can be found growing in the woods in mountain regions. It likes full shade or partial shade and moist soil that's humus rich. It's a hardy plant and shouldn't need much looking after, just cut the leaves back in the spring.

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Plant
Known dangers?
  • no
Height [m]
  • 0.2 - 0.3
Spread [m]
  • 0.2 - 0.3
Dominant flower colour
  • Yellow
Flower Fragrance
  • No, neutral please
Flowering seasons
  • Late spring
  • Early summer
Foliage in spring
  • Green
Foliage in summer
  • Green
Foliage in Autumn
  • Green
Foliage in winter
  • Green
Propagation methods
  • seed
  • division
  • rhizome cuttings
Growth habit
  • Spreading
Environment
Acidity
  • Acidic
  • Neutral
Hardiness zone
  • Z5-9
Heat zone
  • H9-4
Winter temperatures [°C]
  • -29 - -1
Heat days
  • 14 - 150
Moisture
  • well-drained but frequently watered
Soil type
  • Clay
  • loams
Sun requirements
  • Partial shade
Exposure
  • Sheltered
Usage
Standard category
  • Flowers & bulbs
  • Perennials
Grown for
  • Attractive Flowers
Creative category
  • For Beginners
  • We love the dark
  • Colours
  • For every season
  • Tough survivors
Garden type
  • Woodland
  • Rock garden
Garden spaces
  • Underplanting
  • Borders
Gardening expertise
  • beginner
Time to reach full size
  • 2 to 5 years
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