Red Barrenwort

Red barrenwort is a low-growing hybrid perennial with spring flowers held above compound, heart-shaped leaves. The new foliage often carries a red tint, adding color before the groundcover fills in for the season. ## Garden Use Use this slowly spreading plant in a shaded border, woodland garden, beneath trees, or along a shaded walkway. North Carolina State Extension describes plants about 6 to 12 inches tall and 12 to 30 inches wide, with crimson sepals around creamy petals. It can fill a small groundcover area without becoming weedy. [North Carolina State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/epimedium-x-rubrum/common-name/red-epimedium/) ## Siting Provide partial to full shade and well-drained soil with average to organic-rich fertility. It tolerates soil from moist to dry and becomes drought tolerant once established. Red barrenwort is a hybrid of *Epimedium alpinum* and *E. grandiflorum*; the RHS lists *Epimedium × rubrum* as a recommended garden plant. [RHS Epimedium guide](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/epimedium?type=0) ## Maintenance In late winter or early spring, remove old foliage before new leaves and flower stems emerge. Divide established clumps if more plants are wanted or if a planting needs to be renewed.