Epimediums (Barrenworts) for Moist and Dry Shade Gardens
Forget the grass, instead grow Epimediums, also known as barrenwort or bishop’s hat, under trees and in other shady spots in the landscape.
Delicate in appearance, but hearty by nature you can find Epimediums for zones 3 to 9. There are clump forming and spreading types and varieties with white, yellow, pink, purple, rose, orange or red spring flowers. Some are deciduous, others hold onto a few leaves through winter and the rest are evergreen.
Most have heart shaped leaves and some have a beautiful red fall color. Trim back the tattered foliage early in the season for a tidier and unobstructed spring flower display.
Most prefer moist organic soil and full to partial shade. Established plants can tolerate dry shade, making them a perfect option as a groundcover under trees. Check the plant tag to make sure the variety you select will tolerate your growing conditions.
A bit more information: These plants combine nicely with other shade tolerant perennials like ferns, hostas and lungworts. Divide only as needed in spring or fall for best results.
Related
Audio
Categories
Upcoming
Events & Webinars
April 23, 2026
Iowa State University
More information
April 25, 2026
Pasquesi Home & Gardens
Lake Bluff, IL
April 26, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 2, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 6, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Adding Native Plants
to Any Size Gardening Space
Register here
May 7, 2026
Wauwatosa Public Library
Wauwatosa, WI
Register here
May 9, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 10, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 13, 2026
Roots & Branches
West Bend, WI
Register here
May 16, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 17, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 20, 2026
Herb Container Workshop
Pewaukee, WI
Register here
May 21, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Planting & Care of Your Rain Garden
Register here
June 3, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Managing Your Landscape
with Pollinators in Mind
Register here
June 10, 2026
Enjoy Life Active Aging Symposium
Brookfield, WI
More information
July 9, 2026
Ebert's 50th Anniversary Celebration
Ixonia, WI
August 6-16, 2026
Wisconsin State Fair
We Energies Energy Park, West Allis, WI
Sept. 3, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Tree Planting and Care
Register here
Sept. 12, 2026
Knowledge in Bloom Conference
Milwaukee, WI
Register here
Sept. 17, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Fall Landscape Care and Planting
Register here
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
MORE UPCOMING EVENT DETAILS
Book an Appearance
Sign up for Melinda's free e-newsletter for a chance to win a Birds & Blooms' Ultimate Gardening Guide!
ENTER NOW
