Barrenwort plant profile
Epimedium grandiflorum
A perennial flower for shade.
Last updated .
When to plant
When to plant Barrenwort
Propagate barrenwort in late summer by division, and divide established clumps every three to four years to keep them vigorous (NC State). It grows as a ground cover in shade to part shade in moist, well-drained, fertile soil and tolerates dry shade once established.
The calendar shows this cited seasonal window as an approximate band. It does not convert the season into frost-adjusted dates.
Open Barrenwort in my garden calendarShows the source-backed planting season, not frost-adjusted dates.
Growing conditions
- Sun
- Shade
- Soil pH
- 6 to 7
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Spacing
- 12 to 18 in apart
- Hardiness
- Zones 5a to 8bFind my hardiness zone
Common problems
Watch for these
Also watch for: vine weevils.
Evidence trail
Evidence behind this profile
Original extension and institutional publications behind the planting, care, and safety facts on this page.
- Epimedium (Barrenwort), with E. grandiflorum 'Rose Queen' shown
North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Supports general reference. Checked 2026-06-18.
- Groundcovers: Planting and Care (HGIC 1100)
Clemson Cooperative Extension, Home & Garden Information Center. Supports general reference. Checked 2026-06-18.