Northwest Blooms · Groundcovers
Epimedium grandiflorum 'Red Queen'
Red Queen Barrenwort
- Family
- Berberidaceae
- Height
- 10 to 14 in
- Width
- 18 to 24 in
- Flower color
- Deep red to crimson with long, narrow spurs
- Foliage color
- Medium green with reddish to bronze new growth, often developing red tones in cooler weather
- Bloom time
- Mid to late spring
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; shear old foliage to the ground in late winter before new growth emerges
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5 to 9
- Wildlife
- Bees, early-season pollinators
About this plant
Epimedium grandiflorum 'Red Queen' displays spurred, star-shaped flowers in deep red to crimson tones, held above airy stems that sway gently in spring breezes. The blooms contrast beautifully with heart-shaped foliage that emerges flushed with bronze before settling into rich green, creating a layered and refined appearance throughout the season.
Blooming in mid to late spring, this cultivar originates from garden selections of Asian species. It fits naturally into woodland gardens, shaded borders, and underplantings beneath shrubs, where its long-lived foliage and elegant flowers add color, movement, and refined texture from spring into early summer.
Works well in
Woodland Gardens · Under Trees · Borders · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Ferns · Japanese forest grass · Trilliums · Siberian buglosses · Primroses · Foamflowers
Design tip
Repeat Red Queen barrenwort along winding paths or beneath deciduous shrubs to establish rhythm and unify shaded planting areas. Pair with contrasting foliage shapes and staggered bloom times to create layered compositions that remain engaging from spring through autumn.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at Heronswood Garden.
