• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide

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.

Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars


Feb. 14-16, 2025
NARI Milwaukee Spring Home Improvement Show
West Allis, WI

Feb. 19, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Strategies for Managing Invasive Plants

Register here

Feb. 26, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Create a Beautiful Shade Garden

Register here

Feb. 27, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
How to Select Rain Garden Plants

Register here

March 12, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Grow Pollinator-friendly Spring and Summer Flowering Bulbs

Register here

March 19, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Register here


March 22, 23, 29, 30, 2025
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, WI

March 26, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Succession Planting & Crop Rotation

Register here

March 27, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Rain Garden Q & A

Register here

April 2, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Container Gardens for Sun & Shade
Register here


April 10, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Reinvigorate Your Rain Garden
Register here


May 7, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Vertical Gardening
Register here


May 15, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
7 Steps to Managing Water on Your Property

Register here

June 4, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Attracting Hummingbirds

Register here

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win 3 Collections of Longfield Gardens
Dahlia Bulbs

ENTER NOW