Looking for the perfect groundcover for those tricky shady spots under your trees and shrubs? Let me introduce you to the Barrenwort (also known as *Epimedium* or “Fairy Wings”). These plants are absolute rockstars in the garden because they fill in empty spaces quickly and look gorgeous doing it.
Depending on the vibe you’re going for, you can choose between European and Asian varieties. They come in a huge range of flower colors and foliage styles, so there’s definitely one that will fit your yard.
- ## Deciduous vs. Evergreen Barrenwort
First things first: you’ll need to decide between deciduous and evergreen types.
* Deciduous varieties usually hail from East Asia. They put on a spectacular show in the fall with vibrant foliage before dropping their leaves for the winter.
* Evergreen (or semi-evergreen) varieties are typically native to Europe. They keep their leaves all winter long, only shedding them once the fresh new growth starts popping up in the spring.
The Large-Flowered Evergreen Barrenwort
If you want something tough and fast-growing, these are your best bet. They come in some really stunning color combos:
- ‘Rose Queen’: Features deep pink blossoms against lush green leaves.
- ‘Elfenkönigin’ (Elf Queen): Pure white flowers paired with unique brownish-green foliage.
- ‘Rubinkrone’ (Ruby Crown): Violet-red blooms and bronzy-green leaves.
- ‘Lilofee’: Pretty pink or violet flowers with dark green foliage.
- ‘Orangekönigin’ (Orange Queen): Soft orange flowers with classic green leaves.
Sulfur Barrenwort
This one is a real treat for the eyes. It produces sulfur-yellow flowers and starts the season with reddish buds in the spring. Plus, its winter foliage takes on a beautiful bronze tint.
Alpine Barrenwort
Most Barrenworts love the shade, but this evergreen variety is a bit more versatile—it can actually handle some sun and even a little drought now and then. It features light purple flowers with charming white spots in the center.
Red Barrenwort
This variety is a bit of a rebel. It’s semi-evergreen, meaning it might keep its leaves depending on how cold your winter gets. In the fall, the leaves turn a striking yellow-orange with visible red veins. It grows in neat clumps about 10 inches tall and sports white-pink to white-red flowers.
- ## Top Varieties for Your Garden
If you’re looking for tried-and-true plants that are low-maintenance and hardy, here are a few of my personal favorites:
- ‘Frohnleiten’: This one has golden-yellow flowers and evergreen leaves with red edges. It grows about 8 inches tall and can be a bit of a spreader, so don’t be afraid to give it a trim now and then!
- ‘Blütentanz’: An East Asian variety with white and orange flowers. It grows in tidy clumps and stays green through the winter.
- ‘Galadriel’: If you want a solid groundcover, this is it. It has ruby-red flowers and spreads via runners. It’s deciduous, so expect some great fall color.
- ‘Black Sea’ (Schwarzmeer): This variety is tough as nails and handles dry soil well. It has yellow flowers and heart-shaped leaves that turn a stunning copper-red in the winter.
