Princess Susan Barrenwort
Epimedium grandiflorum 'Princess Susan'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
12 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Prefers humid environments
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
East Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Epimedium grandiflorum, or large-flowered barrenwort, is a clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial that serves as an excellent groundcover for shady areas. It features compound, heart-shaped leaflets and delicate, spurred flowers in spring. This cultivar is distinguished by its beautiful bicolored flowers with raspberry-pink sepals and white spurs. The new foliage in spring is often tinged with bronze.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or divisions into shaded, well-drained soil
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Divide every 3-4 years in early spring
Pro Tip
Plant in shaded areas with rich, well-drained soil for best results
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently during dry periods 🌱
- Mulch to conserve soil moisture
- Prune after flowering to promote bushy growth
- Divide in early spring to rejuvenate
Don't
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun or dry conditions
- Refrain from heavy fertilizing late in season
- Don’t disturb roots during flowering
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| 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
Princess Susan Barrenwort questions
What zones can Princess Susan Barrenwort grow in?
Princess Susan 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 Princess Susan Barrenwort deer resistant?
Yes — Princess Susan Barrenwort is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Princess Susan Barrenwort bloom?
Princess Susan 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 Princess Susan Barrenwort need full sun?
Princess Susan Barrenwort does best in part shade.
Is Princess Susan Barrenwort drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Princess Susan 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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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
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Princess Susan 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.
