Epimedium × youngianum Niveum (Snowy Barrenwort)

Epimedium × youngianum ‘Niveum’ (Snowy Barrenwort) is a compact deciduous perennial with heart-shaped, pointed, mid-green leaves that emerge lightly flushed and veined red in spring and turn bronzy-red in fall. In mid to late spring, clouds of small, starry, pure white flowers are carried in open sprays on red stems above the foliage mound. Perfect to brighten up a shady corner of the garden, Snowy Barrenwort makes a wonderful groundcover for many landscape situations including under deciduous trees.

Epimedium × youngianum 'Niveum' (Snowy Barrenwort) is a compact deciduous perennial with heart-shaped, pointed, mid-green leaves that emerge lightly flushed and veined red in spring and turn bronzy-red in fall. In mid to late spring, clouds of small, starry, pure white flowers are carried in open sprays on red stems above the foliage mound. Perfect to brighten up a shady corner of the garden, Snowy Barrenwort makes a wonderful groundcover for many landscape situations including under deciduous trees.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 6-9 in. tall (15-22 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
  • Performs best in part shade to full shade in average, 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.
  • No serious pest and disease problems. Watch for vine weevils. Rabbit and deer tolerant.
  • Easy to grow, this plant is a welcomed addition to beds and borders, rock gardens, shade gardens. Excellent as a groundcover or edger for paths and walkways.
  • 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
– 9

Heat Zones 5
– 9

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 (Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 6"
– 9"
(15cm
– 22cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 18″ (45cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage