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Key characteristics

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

Groundcovers

Epimedium grandiflorum 'Red Queen'

Red Queen Barrenwort

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.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Mid to late spring

Find this plant

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.