March Perennial of the Month-Barrenwort
Dry shade can be a common issue for most gardeners. The same shade that provides relief from the blistering sun for the shade garden can also mean competition from tree roots and, overall, less rainfall that can’t penetrate the canopy above to the plants underneath. So when the term “Tolerates dry shade” pops up in a plant description, it gets attention.
One such plant is Epimedium sp., commonly called barrenwort or sometimes bishop’s cap or fairy wings. It’s one of the first perennials to bloom in early spring with charming, dainty flowers in a range of colors from white to pink, purple, yellow, or even red. The flowers have unique shapes that almost demand you get down to their level to appreciate.
As if that weren’t enough, barrenwort has beautiful foliage with elongated, heart-shaped leaves, some with a red blush, that stands out in the shade garden and complements hostas, ferns, and other shade-loving staples.
But wait, there’s more!!! It’s deer and rabbit-resistant! And if you’re looking for a shade-loving groundcover, barrenwort might be your new best friend. It spreads slowly into naturalized masses with underground rhizomes but doesn’t get aggressive.
Most varieties stay under 14” and prefer well-drained soil. Once established, it’s drought-resistant and carefree for the most part. Some varieties are considered evergreen or semi-evergreen, but the foliage can still look rough and ragged come spring. A late winter trim to remove last year’s dead foliage is beneficial for all types. This needs to be done before the flowers emerge, or you risk cutting off all the flower buds. Other than the once-a-year trim, barrenwort is considered a very low-maintenance perennial.
What I love about this plant;
-Tolerates dry shade
-Tolerates drought
-Low maintenance
-Deer and rabbit resistant
-Beautiful foliage
-Nice range of flower colors
-Good for ground cover
-No major pests or diseases
What’s not so great;
-Waiting too late to trim up last year’s dead foliage will result in lost flowers for the season or the painstaking job of trying to trim down the foliage between the delicate flowers in full bloom.
Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com
Words and photos by Jo Batzer
© Jo Batzer, garden-lou.com-2024, All rights reserved.
