Bountiful Gardens

The "Unicorn" of the Shade Garden: Why You Need Epimediums

For years, my dry shade garden was where plants went to die. I tried hostas (slug buffet), ferns (too thirsty), and ivy (too aggressive). I thought I was destined to stare at a patch of bare mulch forever—until I discovered Epimediums.

Commonly known as "Barrenwort" or "Bishop’s Hat," these plants are the garden’s best-kept secret. When I first encountered one at Bountiful Gardens, my co-workers called it a "workhorse in a party dress." I was skeptical. How could something with such delicate, heart-shaped leaves and ethereal flowers survive under my thirsty oak trees?

I bought one. Then three. Now? I’m convinced they are the most underrated perennials in existence. Here is everything I’ve learned about growing these "unicorns" and why they belong in your garden.

Why Epimediums Are a Game-Changer

What makes these plants so special? It’s the rare combination of toughness and elegance.

• Dry Shade Champions: Most plants crave water if they’re in the shade. Epimediums, once established, are incredibly drought-tolerant.

• Deer & Rabbit Resistant: Their leathery leaves aren't on the local wildlife's menu.

• Four-Season Interest: Many varieties have stunning bronze or red mottled foliage in the spring, lush green in the summer, and a second color shift in the autumn.

• The Flowers: They produce tiny, intricate blooms that look like miniature columbines or tiny flying saucers hovering above the foliage.

Common Questions (The "Barrenwort" FAQ)

1. When is the best time to plant them? Spring or autumn is ideal. This gives the roots time to settle in before the extremes of summer heat or winter freezes.

2. Are they invasive? Not at all. There are two types: clump-forming (which stay in a neat mound) and rhizomatous (which spread slowly). Even the spreaders are polite and act more like a groundcover than an invader.

3. Do I really need to cut them back? While you don't have to, we highly recommend it. In late February or early March, snip off the previous year's leaves. This allows the delicate new flowers to take center stage without being hidden by tattered old foliage.

4. Why are they sometimes expensive? Epimediums are slow growers. It takes nurseries longer to produce a sellable plant compared to something like a daylily. Think of them as a long-term investment in your garden’s beauty.

A customer’s "First Discovery" Story

When I first planted an Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum', I ignored it for a month during a particularly dry July. I was sure I’d find a shriveled brown husk. Instead, I found a plant that looked perfectly content, its heart-shaped leaves fluttering in the breeze.

That was the moment I realized I didn't have a "black thumb" for shade; I just had the wrong plants. Epimediums taught me that the toughest spots in the garden can also be the most beautiful.

Here are five standout Epimedium cultivars that are perfect for beginners. These varieties are selected for their vigor, distinctive colors, and "bulletproof" nature.

Top 5 Epimedium Cultivars for Beginners

1. Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum' (The Reliable Classic)

If you only plant one, make it this one. It is arguably the toughest variety available and the best for "dry shade" conditions.

• The Look: Soft, buttery yellow flowers with pale primrose spurs.

• Why it’s great: It spreads slowly via rhizomes, making it an excellent, weed-suppressing groundcover. Its spring foliage is beautifully mottled with reddish-brown.

2. Epimedium 'Amber Queen' (The Showstopper)

This is a modern hybrid that has won numerous awards for its prolific blooming habit and unique color palette.

• The Look: Large, bright gold-to-amber flowers that look like tiny dancing spiders.

• Why it’s great: It has one of the longest flowering periods of any Epimedium, often sending up flower spikes for several weeks.

3. Epimedium x rubrum (The Foliage Favorite)

While many grow Epimediums for the flowers, this one is often grown for its spectacular leaf color.

• The Look: Tight clusters of ruby-red flowers.

• Why it’s great: In the spring, the new leaves emerge with a deep red border that looks like stained glass. It is a clump-former, so it stays exactly where you put it.

4. Epimedium 'Pink Elf' (The Delicate Beauty)

For those who want a more whimsical look, 'Pink Elf' offers a softer aesthetic without sacrificing the plant's signature toughness.

• The Look: Dainty, pale pink flowers with darker bronze-pink centers.

• Why it’s great: This variety is known for being "evergreen" in milder climates, meaning you’ll have structural interest in your garden even in the dead of winter.

5. Epimedium grandiflorum 'Lilafee' (The Royal Purple)

If you want a splash of rich color that stands out against the dark greens of a shade garden, 'Lilafee' (translated as "Purple Fairy") is the winner.

• The Look: Intensely violet-purple flowers with long, elegant spurs.

• Why it’s great: It has a very tidy, upright habit and the young foliage has a lovely metallic bronze tint in the spring.

A Quick Planting Tip for Success

When you bring these home, remember that Epimediums have a slow-to-moderate growth rate. Don’t be discouraged if they don't double in size the first year. They are spending that time growing a deep, resilient root system. By year three, you’ll have the lush, "unicorn" garden bed of your dreams.