The Story
Plant Bio
Epimedium franchetii 'Golden Earrings' is a deciduous perennial with delicate, heart-shaped leaves and arching stems bearing small, bell-shaped yellow flowers in spring, creating a soft, woodland aesthetic.
This cultivar is distinguished by its vibrant yellow flowers and its excellent tolerance of shade, making it ideal for shaded garden borders and underplantings.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
12 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
China
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Early spring – Late spring
In flower about 3 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or divisions into well-drained, rich soil in partial shade.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil around roots.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and promote rooting.
- Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced organic fertilizer.
- Divide plants every 3-4 years to rejuvenate and control size.
Pro Tip
Plant in partial shade with well-drained soil for best performance.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Fertilize in early spring with organic fertilizer
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t disturb roots during flowering
- 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 | ||||||||||||
| 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
Golden Earrings Epimedium questions
What zones can Golden Earrings Epimedium grow in?
Golden Earrings Epimedium 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 Golden Earrings Epimedium deer resistant?
Yes — Golden Earrings Epimedium is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Golden Earrings Epimedium bloom?
Golden Earrings Epimedium typically blooms in early spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Golden Earrings Epimedium need full sun?
Golden Earrings Epimedium does best in part shade.
Is Golden Earrings Epimedium drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Golden Earrings Epimedium 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'
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 Golden Earrings Epimedium 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.