Epimedium x rubrum
(ep-ih-MEE-dee-um x ROO-brum)

Family: Berberidacaea

Common name: red barrenwort; red bishop’s hat; fairy wings
Zone: 5 – 9
Height: 12 – 15 in (18 – 38 cm)
Spread: 12 – 24 in (18 – 60 cm)
Aspect: partial to full shade
Soil: fertile; humusy; well-draining
Water: moderate

Description: A semi-evergreen perennial with a mounding, slowly spreading habit. Red, bishop hat-shaped flowers appear at the top of spurs in mid- through late spring. Heart-shaped, dark green leaflets are flushed a deep bronze-red colour when they first appear during the flowering period, gradually losing the red flush as the season progresses. Leaves form a very pleasing evergreen mound.

Special Notes: Hybrid seedling from E. alpinum and E. grandiflorum. This plant is valued for its ability to thrive and prosper amongst the tough roots of mature trees. Cut the leaves back in late winter in order to view the fresh flush of flowers and allow for fresh new foliage growth to develop. Fresh plant divisions will take up to two years to settle in. Propagate by division in autumn. Good pest and disease resistance. Deer and rabbit resistant.

In our Zone 7a garden: We have found this plant does well in mediocre soil and deep shade, holding its own against tree and shrub roots…although a top dressing of soil amendment in early spring keeps our plants flourishing nicely. Nothing seems to affect this plant species with the exception of an occasional problem with leaf cutter bees taking small, crescent moon-shaped cuts out of some leaf edges.

Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit (AGM) 1993; Great Plant Pick 2005

Posted on March 7. 2013; updated April 2, 2025