Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
8 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate, tolerate dry once established
Humidity
Prefers moderate humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Hybrid origin
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Epimedium x rubrum is a perennial groundcover known for its delicate, heart-shaped leaves and arching stems that produce small, bell-shaped flowers in shades of red, orange, and pink during spring. This cultivar is especially valued for its vibrant red flowers and its ability to thrive in shady, woodland garden conditions with minimal maintenance.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
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 regularly to maintain humidity and promote rooting.
- Apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Divide mature plants every 3-4 years in early spring or fall.
Pro Tip
Plant in dappled shade with rich, well-draining soil for best results.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Apply mulch to retain soil moisture
- Fertilize in early spring to encourage growth
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun which can scorch leaves
- Refrain from heavy pruning in late fall
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
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Red Barrenwort questions
What zones can Red Barrenwort grow in?
Red 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 Red Barrenwort deer resistant?
Yes — Red Barrenwort is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Red Barrenwort bloom?
Red 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 Red Barrenwort need full sun?
Red Barrenwort does best in part shade.
Is Red Barrenwort drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Red 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'
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
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Red 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.
