Epimedium Amber Queen (Barrenwort)

Noted for its incredibly long blooming season, Epimedium ‘Amber Queen’ (Barrenwort) is an evergreen perennial with long, heart-shaped, very pointed leaves mottled with burgundy-red in spring before they mature to bright green. The dramatic foliage creates quite an impact all year long. In mid to late spring, a profusion of large marmalade-orange flowers dance on tall stems (up to 24 in. or 60 cm), well above the mottled foliage.

Noted for its incredibly long blooming season, Epimedium 'Amber Queen' (Barrenwort) is an evergreen perennial with long, heart-shaped, very pointed leaves mottled with burgundy-red in spring before they mature to bright green. The dramatic foliage creates quite an impact all year long. In mid to late spring, a profusion of large marmalade-orange flowers dance on tall stems (up to 24 in. or 60 cm), well above the mottled foliage. They are adorned with small, rounded pale orange sepals and big spurred pastel yellow petals with a dark orange throat. This Epimedium blooms over a long period, and often repeats in early fall. A great addition to the shady landscape where it makes its presence felt.

  • Grows up to 24 in. tall (60 cm) and 24-36 in. wide (60-90 cm).
  • Performs best in part shade to full shade in average, acidic, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Humus-rich, fertile, moist soils in part shade are preferred. Drought tolerant once established. Protect from cold, dry winds.
  • Virtually pest and disease free. Rabbit and deer tolerant.
  • Easy to grow, this plant is a welcomed addition to beds and borders, cottage gardens, shade gardens. Excellent as a groundcover.
  • Propagate by division in fall or after flowering.
  • Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring for the best display of new foliage and flowers.

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 8

Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Epimedium – Barrenworts
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spacing 24″
– 36″
(60cm
– 90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage