The short answer

Quick Answer

Epimedium (Barrenwort) thrives in partial shade or full shade on chalky, clay soils (pH 6-7.5), free-draining. Reaches 25 to 45cm tall, slowly spreading to 60cm. Excellent chalk tolerance. Hardy to around -15°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: February, before new flowers and leaves appear

How: Cut old leaves off evergreen types to ground level so the new flowers are visible

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: China, Japan and the Mediterranean

Native or exotic: Exotic

History: Epimedium alpinum has been grown in UK gardens since the 1600s. Many modern cultivars come from Chinese species collected in the 20th century

Folklore: In Chinese tradition, epimedium was called 'yin yang huo' and used as a tonic, giving rise to its other common name of horny goat weed

Fun fact: Epimedium is sometimes called 'bishop's hat' or 'fairy wings' because of the shape of the spurred flowers

Historical medicinal uses: Used in traditional Chinese medicine. Not for self-medication

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Early nectar for solitary bees [4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 7 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [4][5]

Biodiversity value: 6 out of 10 Medium. Provides cover for ground beetles[4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 7 out of 10 Spring flowers March to May, fresh bronze foliage, red autumn tints[4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Excellent with snowdrops, hellebores, brunnera and hakonechloa

Pest control: Generally pest free

Common diseases and issues: Rarely troubled. Vine weevil can attack roots in pots. See RHS Epimedium page

Invasive note: Not invasive. Spreads slowly by rhizomes

CGM care note

The trick with epimedium is to shear off the old leaves in February before the flowers appear. The fresh growth that follows looks completely different and the delicate spring flowers are suddenly visible.

CGM guides mentioning Epimedium (Barrenwort)

These articles from our Gardening Knowledge library mention Epimedium (Barrenwort) and may be useful if you are researching or growing this plant.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Epimedium (Barrenwort)

How Epimedium (Barrenwort) fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

  • Hosta (Plantain Lily), shares shade tolerance, will not compete for light under trees or along north-facing borders
  • Hydrangea, shares shade tolerance, will not compete for light under trees or along north-facing borders
  • Hardy Garden Ferns, shares shade tolerance, will not compete for light under trees or along north-facing borders
  • Astilbe, shares shade tolerance, will not compete for light under trees or along north-facing borders
  • Dicentra (Bleeding Heart), shares shade tolerance, will not compete for light under trees or along north-facing borders
  • Hellebores (Lenten Rose), shares shade tolerance, will not compete for light under trees or along north-facing borders

Avoid planting beside

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Epimedium (Barrenwort).

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Epimedium (Barrenwort) are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Epimedium (Barrenwort) (Epimedium species and hybrids). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Epimedium (Barrenwort). The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Epimedium species and hybrids. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Berberidaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Kim YD, Kim SH, Kim CH, Jansen RK (2004). Phylogeny of Berberidaceae based on sequences of nuclear ribosomal ITS region. Taxon, 53(1), 113-124.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Berberidaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: origin, taxonomy, medicinal_uses, pest_control.

  4. 4
    Garbuzov M, Ratnieks FLW (2014). Quantifying variation among garden plants in attractiveness to bees and other flower-visiting insects. Functional Ecology, 28(2), 364-374.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 7/10 for Epimedium (Barrenwort). The pollinator description above ("Early nectar for solitary bees") aligns with this study's finding that moderate-ranked plants attract a steady but not exceptional number of flower-visiting insects. The Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Provides cover for ground beetles") reflects the plant's supplementary role in providing nectar during its flowering window (Seasonal highlight: "Spring flowers March to May, fresh bronze foliage, red autumn tints"). Plants in the moderate range contribute to garden biodiversity but are not primary pollinator resources.

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 7/10 and the Pollinators description ("Early nectar for solitary bees"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Epimedium (Barrenwort)'s ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Provides cover for ground beetles") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Epimedium (Barrenwort). The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Epimedium (Barrenwort)'s rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Berberidaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Epimedium (Barrenwort). The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Epimedium (Barrenwort). This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Epimedium (Barrenwort). The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Epimedium (Barrenwort). The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Epimedium (Barrenwort). The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Epimedium (Barrenwort). This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Epimedium (Barrenwort). Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Epimedium (Barrenwort) performs well locally

Towns where Epimedium (Barrenwort) is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

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