James Burghardt
Family
Berberidaceae
Botanical Name
Epimedium x perralchicum 'Fröhnleiten'
Plant Common Name
Barrenwort, Bishop's Hat, Fairy Wings, Fröhnleiten Barrenwort
General Description
One of the best groundcovers for dry shade, this evergreen to semi-evergreen perennial is prized for its handsome foliage and its relatively large and abundant spring flowers. It is a hybrid of Epimedium pinnatum var. colchicum and Epimedium perralderianum.
This hardy perennial forms dense, low, steadily expanding clumps of leathery compound leaves with heart-shaped to arrowhead-shaped, conspicuously toothed leaflets. The foliage is maroon and green when new, solid green in summer, and bronze-flushed in fall and winter. The leaves persist all winter in USDA zones 6 and above. In spring, conical clusters of golden-yellow, four-petaled flowers are held above the foliage on erect leafless stems. Cultivar 'Frohnleiten' is noted for its relatively large and abundant blooms.
Grow this barrenwort in partial to full shade locations in well-drained, humus-rich soil. Drought-tolerant when established, it thrives under large shade trees. Use it as a woodland groundcover or for clumping in shady beds and borders. Cut back the previous year's foliage in early spring.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 9
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Sunset Zone
2a, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
12"-18" / 30.5cm - 45.7cm
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Width
12"-18" / 30.5cm - 45.7cm
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Cutflower, Edging, Foundation, Groundcover, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
