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Key characteristics

Family: Berberidaceae
Height: 10 to 14 in
Width: 18 to 24 in
Flower color: Bright pink-red outer sepals with pale yellow inner petals
Foliage color: Bronze-red in spring, maturing to medium green, often developing red tones again in fall
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 4 to 8
Wildlife: Bees, early-season pollinators

Groundcovers

Epimedium x rubrum

Red Barrenwort

Epimedium × rubrum produces airy sprays of nodding flowers held above elegant, heart-shaped foliage. The blossoms display warm pinkish red outer sepals surrounding smaller creamy yellow inner petals, creating a softly layered appearance. New leaves often emerge with bronze to reddish tones before maturing to green, adding seasonal interest beyond the flowering period.

Blooming in mid to late spring, this hybrid originated from garden crosses between European and Asian species.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Moderate moisture, drought tolerant once established

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

Arrange broad sweeps beneath deciduous trees to soften transitions between shrubs, pathways, and larger woodland plantings. Repeat companion plants in generous clusters to create visual rhythm while allowing contrasting foliage textures to stand out throughout the growing season.