Dwarf Barrenwort
Epimedium grandiflorum 'Nanum'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
6 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate, drought tolerant once established
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Japan, Korea, China
Toxicity
No known toxicity to humans or pets
The Story
Plant Bio
A deciduous, rhizomatous perennial forming a dense clump of compound leaves, each with several heart-shaped, pointed leaflets. In spring, delicate, spurred flowers appear on wiry stems just above the emerging foliage. A dwarf cultivar of barrenwort, 'Nanum' is noted for its compact, dense habit and profusion of small, pure white, spurred flowers in mid-spring. Its small stature makes it an excellent choice for the front of a shade border, rock gardens, or as a delicate groundcover.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
- Plant in shaded area with well-draining soil.
- Water regularly during first growing season.
- Fertilize in early spring with balanced fertilizer.
- Divide clumps every 3–4 years to promote growth.
Pro Tip
Provide shaded, sheltered spots with rich, well-drained soil for best growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Prune after flowering to shape
Don't
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun
- Refrain from heavy fertilizing in late fall
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Dwarf Barrenwort questions
What zones can Dwarf Barrenwort grow in?
Dwarf Barrenwort is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Dwarf Barrenwort deer resistant?
Yes — Dwarf Barrenwort is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Dwarf Barrenwort bloom?
Dwarf Barrenwort typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Dwarf Barrenwort need full sun?
Dwarf Barrenwort does best in part shade.
Is Dwarf Barrenwort drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Dwarf Barrenwort handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Epimedium to compare
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Bicolor Barrenwort
Epimedium x versicolor 'Versicolor'
Barrenwort
Epimedium sempervirens
Sichuan Spider Barrenwort
Epimedium chlorandrum 'Sichuan Spider'
Razzleberry Barrenwort
Epimedium x omeiense 'Razzleberry'
Corsican Epimedium
Epimedium x cantabrigiense
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Dwarf Barrenwort with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
