Epimedium wushanense 'Sandy Claws'

Common Name: Barrenwort

This woodland perennial is perfect to combine with other shade staples like Hostas and ferns. 'Sandy Claws' has a similar leaf shape to 'Spine Tingler' but forms a larger plant with long, lance-shaped leaves and spiny margins. Newly emerging foliage has dramatic maroon coloring unique to the shade garden. The color mellows to dark green by summer. The cream-colored flowers contrast beautifully with the brilliantly colored foliage. From Darrell Probst.

Epimedium are one of the few plants capable of surviving in dry shade. Although slow to establish, mature plants will not be missed in the landscape, particularly when in flower. These plants are appreciated for their durability and critter resistance, but loved for the long sprays of jester hat-like flowers in spring.

Height:

12.0-16.0 Inches

Spread:

18.0-24.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

6,7,8

Flower Color:

White Shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades Red shades

Sunlight:

Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Mid Spring Late Spring

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant Rabbit Resistant

Seasonal Interest:

Evergreen

Growth Rate:

Slow

Garden Style:

Asian Eclectic Woodland Shade

Other Features:

Border Plant Cut Flower Cut Foliage Drought Tolerant Easy To Grow Erosion Control Ground Cover Attractive Foliage Specimen

Origin:

Not Native to North America

Epimedium is a tough plant that will survive in nearly any shady location. Though it prefers rich, moist, woodland soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH, it will adapt to a wide range of conditions. It will even grow under large, thirsty trees. This plant is a slow grower, so mulching around the plants will help to keep the weeds away. Trimming off all of the old foliage in late winter will make room for a fresh flush of leaves and may increase flower production.

Epimedium can be divided in early fall and is rarely troubled by pests or diseases.

Characteristics