Also known as Barrenwort · 2.2k gardener saves
Epimedium: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Epimedium, the genus most gardeners know as barrenwort. We track 82 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 12 most-saved Epimedium varieties
Of 82 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedEpimedium Songbirds
Epimedium x hybrida 'Songbirds'
#2 most savedBicolor Barrenwort
Epimedium x versicolor 'Versicolor'
#3 most savedBarrenwort
Epimedium sempervirens
Sichuan Spider Barrenwort
Epimedium chlorandrum 'Sichuan Spider'
Razzleberry Barrenwort
Epimedium x omeiense 'Razzleberry'
Corsican Epimedium
Epimedium x cantabrigiense
Frohnleiten Barrenwort
Epimedium perralchicum 'Frohnleiten'
Sandy Claws Barrenwort
Epimedium wushanense 'Sandy Claws'
Barrenwort
Epimedium brachyrrhizum
Franchetii Epimedium Suntan
Epimedium franchetii 'Suntan'
Milky Way Barrenwort
Epimedium x youngianum 'Milky Way'
Large-flowered Barrenwort
Epimedium grandiflorum 'Variegatum'
Browse all 82 Epimedium varieties →
How to grow Epimedium
What the Epimedium varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Epimedium year
- DivideAugust and September100% of varieties
Divide crowded clumps every 5-10 years to rejuvenate
- MulchMarch93% of varieties
Apply thin layer of compost or shredded leaves to retain moisture
- Spring CleanupJanuary and February63% of varieties
Cut back old foliage before new growth appears to showcase flowers
- PlantMarch, April, September and October45% of varieties
Plant rhizomes in well-drained, shaded location
- PruneJanuary and February38% of varieties
Cut back old, tattered foliage before new growth and flowers emerge
Do
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Prune dead or damaged leaves in early spring
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun which can scorch leaves
- Don’t let soil dry out completely
- Avoid full sun which can scorch leaves ❌
What goes wrong with Epimedium
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Slugs | Chewed leaves and ragged foliage | Use organic slug pellets or handpick at night |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Leaf spot | Spotted or discolored leaves | Remove affected leaves and ensure good air circulation |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
Making more Epimedium
Division
- Dig up mature plants in early spring
- Separate clumps with a sharp knife
- Replant divisions at same depth
- Water thoroughly after planting
- Allow 6 weeks for establishment
Seed
- Sow seeds on surface of moist soil in fall or early spring.
- Lightly press seeds into soil but do not cover.
- Maintain consistent moisture for germination over 4-6 weeks.
- Transplant seedlings once they are large enough to handle.
Epimedium questions
How many types of Epimedium are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 82 distinct Epimedium varieties. The most popular — ranked by 2.2k real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Epimedium grow in?
Across its varieties, Epimedium covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Epimedium bloom?
Most Epimedium varieties bloom in early spring, mid-spring, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Epimedium should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
More on Epimedium
Epimedium shows up in
Related genera
Design with Epimedium in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
