The Story
Plant Bio
Epimedium chlorandrum is a species of barrenwort native to China, forming clumps of compound leaves with heart-shaped leaflets. In spring, it produces delicate, spidery flowers on wiry stems held above the foliage.
'Sichuan Spider' is a distinctive cultivar noted for its large, spidery flowers with long, creamy-white to pale yellow spurs. The new spring foliage emerges with a bronze tint before maturing to green, and it is evergreen in milder climates.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
10 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate, drought-tolerant once established
Humidity
Prefers moderate humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
China
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Bloom period
Late spring
In flower about 1 month of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or divisions into well-prepared soil in early spring.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil around roots.
- Mist cuttings with humidity and keep in indirect light for 4-6 weeks.
- Apply a layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.
- Monitor for pests and remove any weeds regularly.
Pro Tip
Prefers shaded, well-drained soil; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Prune dead or damaged leaves in early spring
Don't
- Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves ❌
- Over-fertilizing can cause leggy growth
- Don't plant in waterlogged soil
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Sichuan Spider Barrenwort questions
What zones can Sichuan Spider Barrenwort grow in?
Sichuan Spider Barrenwort is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Sichuan Spider Barrenwort deer resistant?
Yes — Sichuan Spider Barrenwort is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Sichuan Spider Barrenwort bloom?
Sichuan Spider Barrenwort typically blooms in late spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Sichuan Spider Barrenwort need full sun?
Sichuan Spider Barrenwort does best in part shade.
Is Sichuan Spider Barrenwort drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Sichuan Spider 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
Epimedium Songbirds
Epimedium x hybrida 'Songbirds'
Barrenwort
Epimedium sempervirens
Versicolor Bicolor Barrenwort
Epimedium versicolor 'Versicolor'
Frohnleiten Barrenwort
Epimedium x perralchicum 'Frohnleiten'
Corsican Epimedium
Epimedium x cantabrigiense
Razzleberry Barrenwort
Epimedium x omeiense 'Razzleberry'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Sichuan Spider 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.