The Story
Plant Bio
Epimedium x versicolor 'Cupreum' is a deciduous perennial with delicate, heart-shaped foliage and arching stems that bear small, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink and purple, creating a graceful ground cover.
This cultivar is distinguished by its coppery-bronze new growth and its resilience in shaded, woodland garden settings, offering vibrant foliage and charming flowers over an extended season.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
10 inches
Width
15 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Prefers moderate humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
East Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Bloom period
Early spring – Mid-spring
In flower about 2 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or division into moist soil in early spring
- Ensure soil is rich in organic matter for best growth
- Water regularly during first growing season to establish roots
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring for vigorous growth
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape
Pro Tip
Plant in shaded, well-drained soil for optimal growth and flowering.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Apply organic mulch to conserve moisture
- Prune after flowering to encourage bushiness
Don't
- Avoid excessive fertilization ❌
- Do not let soil become waterlogged
- Never expose to direct, scorching sun
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| 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
Cupreum Bicolor Barrenwort questions
What zones can Cupreum Bicolor Barrenwort grow in?
Cupreum Bicolor Barrenwort is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Cupreum Bicolor Barrenwort deer resistant?
Yes — Cupreum Bicolor Barrenwort is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Cupreum Bicolor Barrenwort bloom?
Cupreum Bicolor Barrenwort typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Cupreum Bicolor Barrenwort need full sun?
Cupreum Bicolor Barrenwort does best in part shade.
Is Cupreum Bicolor Barrenwort drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Cupreum Bicolor 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'
Sichuan Spider Barrenwort
Epimedium chlorandrum 'Sichuan Spider'
Corsican Epimedium
Epimedium x cantabrigiense
Frohnleiten Barrenwort
Epimedium x perralchicum 'Frohnleiten'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Cupreum Bicolor 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.