Epimedium x rubrum

Also Known As

Epimedium alpinum 'Rubrum'
Epimedium rubrum
Bishop's Hat
Bishop's Mitre
Red Barrenwort
Rubrum Barrenwort

Plant type

perennial, groundcover

size

H: 12"-18"
W: 12"-18"

planting zones

5a-9b

More Options

Epimedium x rubrum plant details

Epimedium x rubrum is a broadleaf deciduous or evergreen perennial groundcover with green and red foliage. In spring red, white and yellow flowers emerge. Grows well with bright shade - shade and regular water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in clay, rich, rocky and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Epimedium x rubrum

Plant type: perennial groundcover
Plant family: berberidaceae
Foliage: deciduous or evergreen green and red
Mature size: 12 IN - 18 IN - wide, 12 IN - 18 IN - tall
Flowers: red, white and yellow blooms in spring
Uses: container plant, easy-to-grow, heart-shaped leaves, long-lived, rock garden, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Epimedium x rubrum

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: bright shade - shade
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: clay, rich, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Dense clumps of foliage, red when young and later bright green edged and veined in red, support a cloud of dainty flowers of crimson with creamy white spurs; one of the showiest of the genus. PSh-Sh/M

By: Forestfarm

Has soft reddish pink flowers on a 12” plant. This variety is really easy to grow and is adaptable.

By: Gossler Farms

Epimedium x rubrum is a slow-spreading groundcover with semi-evergreen heart-shaped leaflets that turn red in cooler weather. Clusters of delicate, reddish flowers show in spring. These tough plants can grow under trees where many others die off. Barrenwort is effective as a groundcover or tucked into shady gardens. Tolerates dry conditions once established.

By: Little Prince of Oregon

Almost spurless spring flowers with maroon-red outer sepals and white inner sepals and cup bloom above new, cherry-red, toothed leaves that are again red in fall. Deciduous, 16" tall and slowly spreading. Minimum temperature: -20°F

By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

Superb low-growing groundcover for woodland and shady areas. Its foliage turns bronze in the cold. The red flowers are like tiny columbines and are best seen by removing the previous season's old foliage in late winter. Good as a groundcover. Epimediums are among the easiest perennials to grow. They thrive in medium to heavy shade, and when established, are highly drought tolerant. They are deer resistant and are seldom bothered by voles or other critters.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

So prolific are the crimson and white flowers on this Epimedium that the wiry stems are obscured by the origami-looking blossoms. It's best served by planting in shade, fancying either the woodland or rock garden.

By: Digging Dog Nursery

Hybrid with unusual red & yellow flowers, this multiplies well and is very hardy. ZONE 4

By: Arrowhead Alpines

A low-growing plant (6" to 1') with smooth green leaves and small, bicolor crimson and cream flowers. The foliage emerges beautiful bronze, later turning to green tinged with bronze.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

Dainty two-toned rose-pink flowers on 12" stems above red-veined foliage. Spreads a bit more rapidly than other Epimediums, making it a rather effective groundcover for dry shady spots.