Northwest Blooms · Groundcovers
Epimedium x warleyense 'Orangekonigin'
Orange Queen Barrenwort
- Family
- Berberidaceae
- Height
- 12 to 18 in
- Width
- 18 to 24 in
- Flower color
- Orange to copper-orange with red-brown outer sepals
- Foliage color
- Medium green, often tinged bronze in spring
- Bloom time
- Mid to late spring
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Water
- Moderate moisture, drought tolerant once established
- Maintenance
- Low, cut back old foliage in late winter before new growth emerges
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5 to 9
- Wildlife
- Bees, early-season pollinators
About this plant
Epimedium × warleyense 'Orangekönigin' produces airy sprays of warm apricot-orange flowers held on slender stems above heart-shaped foliage. The blossoms display narrow outer sepals surrounding smaller inner petals, creating a layered appearance enhanced by soft yellow tones near the center. Emerging leaves often show bronze shading before maturing to green.
Blooming occurs in mid to late spring. This cultivar originated in Europe as part of long-established garden hybridization. It performs well in woodland settings, shaded borders, and beneath deciduous trees, forming a graceful ground layer that provides seasonal color and fine texture among spring perennials.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
