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Key characteristics

Family: Berberidaceae
Height: 12 to 18 in
Width: 24 to 30 in
Flower color: Mottled red with contrasting pale inner sepals
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 x cantabrigiense 'Red Form'

Cambridge Barrenwort

Epimedium × cantabrigiense 'Red Form' bears airy clusters of nodding flowers with softly layered coloration. The outer sepals are mottled rose red and white, forming star-shaped outlines around smaller inner petals that appear creamy yellow to pale ivory. Slender stems rise above heart-shaped foliage that emerges with bronze tones before maturing to fresh green.

Blooming in mid to late spring, this hybrid originated from European garden selections.

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

Hostas · Solomon's seal · Lungworts · Wild gingers · Coral bells · Lily of the valley

Design tip

Echo this plant throughout shaded beds to establish rhythm and guide the eye naturally through the landscape. Combine broad, rounded leaves with upright and finely textured companions to create balanced layers that remain visually appealing beyond the spring bloom season.