Barrenwort
Epimedium × versicolor
An elegant woodland ground cover prized for its heart-shaped leaves that emerge bronze, turn green in summer, and develop beautiful fall colors. Delicate sprays of yellow and red flowers dance above the foliage in spring, creating an enchanting display in shade gardens. Extremely long-lived and deer resistant.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Partial shade to full shade
Zones
5–8
USDA hardiness
Height
8-10 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Barrenwort in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 ground-cover →Zone Map
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Barrenwort · Zones 5–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: #evergreen#deciduous#low growing#pink flowers#red flowers#yellow flowers#shade garden#rabbit resistant#disease resistant#ncemgva2018#edging#deer resistant#frost tolerant#groundcover#evergreen groundcover#shade border#dry soils tolerant#HS302#shade flowers#dry shade#insect resistant#shade perennial#hybrid#long lived#woodland#HS304. Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Water: Juniper Level Botanic Gardens: Muscadine Bed Dry Stream Bed Garden in Cabarrus County. Height: 0 ft. 8 in. - 0 ft. 10 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Division. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Bloom time: Spring, Summer
Edibility: The leaves are edible, however, should be soaked and boiled prior to consumption to reduce its bitter taste.
History & Origin
Origin: Juniper Level Botanic Gardens: Muscadine Bed Dry Stream Bed Garden in Cabarrus County
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer, Diseases, Dry Soil, Heavy Shade, Insect Pests, Rabbits
- +Edible: The leaves are edible, however, should be soaked and boiled prior to consumption to reduce its bitter taste.
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Hosta
Similar shade and moisture requirements, creates layered texture in woodland gardens
Heuchera
Compatible growing conditions, complementary foliage colors and textures
Astilbe
Thrives in same partial shade conditions, adds vertical interest above low-growing barrenwort
Ferns
Share preference for moist, well-draining soil and dappled shade
Lungwort
Similar cultural needs, both tolerate dry shade once established
Japanese Painted Fern
Complementary silver foliage contrasts beautifully with barrenwort's green leaves
Woodland Phlox
Both prefer partial shade and well-draining soil, bloom at different times
Bleeding Heart
Compatible moisture and light requirements, creates seasonal succession of blooms
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which is toxic to many understory plants including barrenwort
Mint
Aggressive spreading nature can overwhelm and outcompete slow-growing barrenwort
Crown Imperial
Heavy feeder that depletes soil nutrients needed by barrenwort's delicate root system
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent disease resistance, very hardy perennial
Common Pests
Vine weevils occasionally, generally pest-free
Diseases
Rarely affected by diseases