How big does Red barrenwort grow?

About 30 cm × 60 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 20–35 cm × 30–90 cm.

What soil does Red barrenwort grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, acidic.

Is Red barrenwort hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Red barrenwort flower?

Flowering: April–May, red, white.

How much water does Red barrenwort need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

Red barrenwort

Epimedium × rubrum

Red barrenwort (Epimedium × rubrum) is a ground cover plant that reaches 30 cm × 60 cm after ten years. Light: part shade, shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about PLN 24.

Illustration of Red barrenwort — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Red barrenwort is one of the best ground covers for dry shade under trees and shrubs, where root competition defeats most other plants. Small red and cream flowers open in spring, and the heart-shaped leaves flush bronze-red when they emerge and again in autumn. It is slow to get going, so water it for the first two years, and cut the old leaves off in late winter so the flowers can be seen.

Watch out for

It has no serious pests or diseases. It is slow to establish: in the first one or two summers it dries out easily in dry soil under trees if not watered, and the leaves scorch in hot direct sun. Vine weevil occasionally notches the leaves.

Key facts

Light: Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 30 cm × 60 cm
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–May, red, white

All details

Group	Ground cover
Light	Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	30 cm × 60 cm
Ultimate size	20–35 cm × 30–90 cm
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Acidic
Foliage	Semi-evergreen
Flowering	April–May, red, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	30 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about PLN 24

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. PLN 24

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 17, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Ground cover plants for shade Ground cover plants Plants for shade Plants with autumn colour

Guide on the topic

Ground cover plants against weeds: which goes where, and how many you need A ground cover keeps weeds out once it has closed up: until then, usually for two or three summers, it needs mulch and weeding. Under trees and in shade, lesser periwinkle, bigroot geranium, barrenwort and barren strawberry do best; in sunny, dry places stonecrops, thymes and creeping junipers. Most perennial ground covers take 9-18 plants per square metre. The tables work out what a square metre costs at today's shop prices in your country.

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