Epimediums, also known as barrenworts, are valued for their dainty spring flowers and ground-covering foliage, which often bears interesting coloration. These perennials also thrive where most garden plants cannot: dry shade. Among epimedium there are many species, hybrids and cultivars available; 'Sulphureum' stands out as a particularly compact yet quick-filling option with red-tinged leaves and pale yellow flowers that complement other shade-loving spring blooms.
Common name: 'Sulphureum' barrenwort
Botanical name: Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum'
Exposure: Part shade, full shade
Flowers: Airy racemes of two-toned yellow flowers emerge before the new foliage in mid-spring. The individual flowers are small, but overall bloom can be heavy.
Foliage: The heart-shaped leaves emerge with a reddish tinge in the spring, too after the flowers and in time to provide a good backdrop for them. Leaves mature to a light green for summer and then turn reddish again in autumn. In the southern reaches of its growing range it behaves as an evergreen
Habit: 'Sulphureum' epimedium grows to about 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide. It spreads by rhizomes to cover available soil.
Origin: Most Epimedium species are native to Asia, with the highest concentration coming from China. 'Sulphureum' is a hybrid resulting from crosses between two different species.
How to grow it: 'Sulphureum' epimedium will thrive in rich soil with moderate moisture in part to full shade. However, once it is established it will also grow well in drier conditions. Remove old foliage in earliest spring to make way for new growth and best show off the flowers. USDA Zones 5–9.
Images credit: Flower detail and plant habit by Maja Dumat/CC BY 2.0 DEED
