Barrenwort 'Weihenstephan'

Epimedium × perralchicum 'Weihenstephan' is a robust and vigorous evergreen hybrid that is exceptional for providing ground cover in dry shade—one of the most difficult garden situations. It produces heart-shaped, leathery leaves that emerge with a beautiful bronze tint in spring before maturing to a deep, glossy green. In mid to late spring, airy clusters of bright, canary-yellow flowers appear on wiry stems just above the foliage. The flowers are small but numerous, creating a cheerful cloud of color. It is fully hardy (H7) and incredibly low-maintenance. In the UK, it is often recommended to shear back the old foliage in late winter to better appreciate the delicate flowers and the fresh new spring growth. It spreads via underground rhizomes to form a dense mat that is excellent at suppressing weeds. Unlike some other Epimediums, this cultivar is particularly noted for its reliable flowering and tolerance of varied soil conditions.

Sun: Partial shade.

Soil: Well-drained, humus-rich soil; tolerates dry shade.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: Apr, May.