Bishop's mitre

Epimedium perralderianum | Also known as: Barrenwort | Rating: 0 votes | Print / Pdf

Barrenwort, much prettier than the name suggests!

Barrenwort, or Epimedium perralderianum, is a low growing evergreen that’s foliage becomes tinged red during the summer. In spring it bursts into life with bright yellow flowers providing early season colour to the garden. These blooms are often used in flower arrangements, and it’s a wonderful choice for a cottage garden or in beds and borders. It can cope with extremes of temperature but does need to be sheltered from strong winds. Easy to grow and low maintenance, making it a great choice for the novice and time-short gardener.

Rate it:
Plant
Known dangers?
  • no
Height [m]
  • 0.3
Spread [m]
  • 0.6
Dominant flower colour
  • Yellow
Flower Fragrance
  • No, neutral please
Flowering seasons
  • Mid spring
  • Late spring
Foliage in spring
  • Brown or bronze
Foliage in summer
  • Green
Foliage in Autumn
  • Green
Foliage in winter
  • Green
Awards?
  • Yes, let it smell
Propagation methods
  • seed
  • division
  • rhizome cuttings
Growth habit
  • Spreading
Environment
Acidity
  • Acidic
  • Neutral
Hardiness zone
  • Z5-8
Heat zone
  • H8-5
Winter temperatures [°C]
  • -29 - -7
Heat days
  • 30 - 120
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
  • Author's choice
Garden type
  • Woodland
  • Rock garden
Garden spaces
  • Underplanting
  • Borders
Gardening expertise
  • beginner
Time to reach full size
  • up to 10 years
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