Epimedium x rubrum

Hybrid Epimedium, Red Epimedium

Semi-evergreen Groundcover

Fresh springtime foliage of Epimedium rubrum. Epimedium are a great evergreen groundcover that will tolerate dry shade. Cut away previous year's foliage in spring to better enjoy the springtime flowers and give the plant a chance to refresh its foliage.


"Outstanding Qualities
A tough and durable groundcover, Epimedium × rubrum has proven to be a great garden plant. In late March small, star-shaped, rose-red flowers dance on the ends of thin, wiry stems about one foot high. As the flowers finish there is an explosion of striking, red-flushed foliage. This red is most intense on plants grown in full sun. Barrenwort's leaves mature to shiny, bright green and remain attractive throughout the growing season. Once established, it requires minimal amounts of water during the summer, making it ideal for a woodland garden or perennial shade border. Combine this handsome perennial with Solomon's seal, maidenhair fern, flowering currant and Pieris japonica.

Culture Notes
This tough groundcover tolerates a wide range of soil conditions from sand to clay and moist to well-drained. It thrives in light to dappled shade but will tolerate deep shade, although the flowering is greatly reduced. It will tolerate drought well, but if the soil conditions are poor it is best to provide some occasional water during the driest periods of summer. Cut the leaves to the ground in January or early February to allow the new flowers to take center stage." — Courtesy Great Plant Picks

Growing Conditions

Zone: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Exposure: Full Shade, Part Shade, Deep Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade

Water Needs: Drought-tolerant, Average, Low

Description

Size: 12 - 18 tall x 12 - 18 wide
Shape / Form: Clumping, Low and Spreading
Foliage Texture: Medium
Foliage Quality: Medium

Features: Drought-tolerant / Water wise, Flowers, Attractive Foliage, Low Maintenance, Winter Interest, Year-round Interest

Foliage Color: Green

Flower Color: Red, White
Bloom Season: Mar, Apr, Spring


Uses and Applications

Landscape Uses: Beds and Borders, Groundcover, Mixed Border, Small Gardens
Special Situations: Deep Shade, Deer Resistant, Dry Shade, Low Water / No Water, Tough / Fool-Proof
Wildlife: Bees, Deer Resistant

More Design Considerations

Season of Interest: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, Pleasing Seasonal Changes, Year-round Interest, Late Spring / Early Summer, Three Seasons of Interest
Position / Role: front of border, ground hugger
Plant Behavior: Clumping
Collections: eGardenGo Favorite, Plants That Earn Their Keep

Care and Maintenance

Maintenance Level: low


Plant Combos