Barrenwort (Epimedium alpinum)

Barrenwort (Epimedium alpinum) is a perennial plant that can grow 10cm – 50cm tall and 10cm – 50cm wide.

This plant has several common names including: barrenwort, alpine barrenwort, bishop’s hat or common barrenwort.

This is a semi-evergreen plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.

Plant profile

Common name: barrenwort, alpine barrenwort, bishop’s hat, common barrenwort
Scientific name: Epimedium alpinum
Plant type: Perennials
Habit: Spreading / Branched
Height: 10cm – 50cm
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Sunlight: Partial shade
Soil: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained
Garden type: Rock & Gravel Garden
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding, Ground Cover

Seasonal colors

How to plant Barrenwort (Epimedium alpinum) – Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Cultivation profiles – Growing Barrenwort (Epimedium alpinum) – Roland.aprent, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons